Effects of Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) on Metabolic Syndrome 

A checkoff-funded study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, demonstrates that a heart-healthy dietary pattern with increased dietary protein from lean beef, combined with weight loss can help improve risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS).  

The incidence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is increasing in the U.S. at an alarming rate. MetS is a cluster of three or more of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors which include:  high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, abdominal obesity and high blood glucose.  Healthcare professionals often prescribe lifestyle changes such as a diet rich in plant-based proteins and reduced saturated fat, coupled with regular physical activity, to improve MetS risk factors in individuals. 

In continuation of the Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) clinical trial, researchers compared the effects of a diet rich in plant-based protein vs. differing levels of lean animal‐based protein on MetS risk factors during three phases: weight maintenance (5 weeks), controlled weight loss (6 weeks including physical exercise) and free living weight loss (12 weeks including physical exercise).  Sixty-two overweight adults with MetS were randomly assigned to the following diets: a) modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet rich in plant protein; b) modified DASH diet rich in animal protein (BOLD) and; c) moderately higher‐protein diet, (BOLD‐PLUS).  A series of clinical and biochemical  measurements were assessed to determine changes in MetS risk factors. 

At the end of the weight loss phase, all diet groups achieved approximately 5% weight loss and maintained it through the free living phase with no differences between diets.  MetS criteria improved regardless of diet composition.   After the weight maintenance phase, all diet groups had a MetS prevalence of 80‐90% which decreased to 50-60% after weight loss and was maintained through the free living phase. 

The study’s results demonstrate that weight loss was the primary driver for improving MetS risk factors and was achieved with a reduced saturated fat healthful diet, regardless of predominant protein source or amount. These results provide further evidence that lean beef can be included in a heart-healthy dietary pattern and can be used as treatment for MetS for at‐risk individuals by healthcare professionals. 

Source: Hill AM, Harris Jackson KA, Roussell MA, West SG, Kris‐Etherton PM. Type and amount of dietary protein in the treatment of metabolic syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2015;102(4):757‐70.  

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