Mediterranean diet for the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease in non-Mediterranean, Western countries: What's known and what's needed?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide, affecting 30% of the population in Western countries. MASLD is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, pathophysiologically underpinned by insulin resistance and frequently co-exists with hypertension, central obesity and dyslipidaemia. Currently, safe and effective pharmacotherapies for MASLD are limited, making weight loss with lifestyle changes the mainstay therapy. A Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has emerged as an effective dietary pattern for preventing and managing MASLD, but most studies have been conducted in Mediterranean countries, necessitating further investigation into its benefits in Western populations. Additionally, the effect of holistic multimodal lifestyle interventions, including physical activity combined with the MedDiet, is not well established. Finally, MASLD's widespread prevalence and rapid growth require improved accessibility to interventions. Digital health delivery platforms, designed for remote access, could be a promising approach to providing timely support to individuals with MASLD. This narrative review summarises the current evidence related to the effects of the MedDiet in Western, multicultural populations with MASLD. This includes a detailed description of the composition, prescription and adherence to dietary interventions in terms of how they have been designed and applied. The evidence related to the role of physical activity or exercise interventions prescribed in combination with the MedDiet for MASLD will also be reviewed. Finally, recommendations for the design and delivery of dietary and physical activity or exercise interventions to inform the design of future randomised controlled trials to facilitate the optimal management of MASLD are outlined.

Exploring the Feasibility of Digital Voice Assistants for Delivery of a Home-Based Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Current clinical guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults recommend the use of antihyperglycemic medications, monitoring of blood glucose levels, regular exercise, and a healthy diet to improve glycemic control and reduce associated comorbidities. However, adherence to traditional exercise programs is poor (<35%). Common barriers to adherence include fear of hypoglycemia and the need for blood glucose level monitoring before exercise. Digital health strategies offer great promise for managing T2DM as they facilitate patient-practitioner communication, support self-management, and improve access to health care services for underserved populations. We have developed a novel web-based software program allowing practitioners to create tailored interventions and deliver them to patients via digital voice assistants (DVAs) in their own homes. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the feasibility of a 12-week, home-based, personalized lifestyle intervention delivered and monitored by DVAs for older adults with obesity and T2DM. METHODS: In total, 50 older adults with obesity aged 50-75 years with oral hypoglycemic agent-treated T2DM were randomized to the intervention (DVA, n=25) or a control group (n=25). Participants allocated to the DVA group were prescribed a home-based muscle strengthening exercise program (~20- to 30-min sessions) and healthy eating intervention, delivered via DVAs (Alexa Echo Show 8; Amazon) using newly developed software ("Buddy Link"; Great Australian Pty Ltd). Control group participants received generalized physical activity information via email. Outcomes were feasibility, DVA usability (System Usability Scale), and objectively assessed physical activity and sedentary time (wrist-worn accelerometers). RESULTS: In total, 45 (90%) out of 50 participants completed this study. Mean adherence to prescribed exercise was 85% (SD 43%) with no intervention-related adverse events. System usability was rated above average (70.4, SD 16.9 out of 100). Compared with controls, the DVA group significantly decreased sedentary time (mean difference -67, SD 23; 95% CI -113 to -21 min/d), which was represented by a medium to large effect size (d=-0.6). CONCLUSIONS: A home-based lifestyle intervention delivered and monitored by health professionals using DVAs was feasible for reducing sedentary behavior and increasing moderate-intensity activity in older adults with obesity and T2DM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12621000307808; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=381364&isReview=true.

Mediterranean Diet and Ultra-Processed Food Intake in Older Australian Adults-Associations with Frailty and Cardiometabolic Conditions.

Dietary patterns contribute to overall health and diseases of ageing but are understudied in older adults. As such, we first aimed to develop dietary indices to quantify Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) utilisation and Ultra-processed Food (UPF) intake in a well-characterised cohort of relatively healthy community-dwelling older Australian adults. Second, we aimed to understand the relationship between these scores and the association of these scores with prevalent cardiometabolic disease and frailty. Our major findings are that in this population of older adults, (a) pre-frailty and frailty are associated with reduced MDS and increased UPF intake; (b) adherence to MDS eating patterns does not preclude relatively high intake of UPF (and vice versa); and (c) high utilisation of an MDS eating pattern does not prevent an increased risk of frailty with higher UPF intakes. As such, the Mediterranean Diet pattern should be encouraged in older adults to potentially reduce the risk of frailty, while the impact of UPF intake should be further explored given the convenience these foods provide to a population whose access to unprocessed food may be limited due to socioeconomic, health, and lifestyle factors.

The role of dietary modification in the prevention and management of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: An international multidisciplinary expert consensus.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Optimal dietary intervention strategies for MAFLD are not standardized. This study aimed to achieve consensus on prevention of MAFLD through dietary modification. A multidisciplinary panel of 55 international experts, including specialists in hepatology, gastroenterology, dietetics, endocrinology and other medical specialties from six continents collaborated in a Delphi-based consensus development process. The consensus statements covered aspects ranging from epidemiology to mechanisms, management, and dietary recommendations for MAFLD. The recommended dietary strategies emphasize adherence to a balanced diet with controlled energy intake and personalized nutritional interventions, such as calorie restriction, high-protein, or low-carbohydrate diets. Specific dietary advice encouraged increasing the consumption of whole grains, plant-based proteins, fish, seafood, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, liquid plant oils, and deeply colored fruits and vegetables. Concurrently, it advised reducing the intake of red and processed meats, saturated and trans fats, ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and alcohol. Additionally, maintaining the Mediterranean or DASH diet, minimizing sedentary behavior, and engaging in regular physical activity are recommended. These consensus statements lay the foundation for customized dietary guidelines and proposing avenues for further research on nutrition and MAFLD.

Effect of peanut butter supplementation on physical and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a 6-month randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Ageing is associated with physical and cognitive declines, which may be further exacerbated by poor nutrition. Nuts are energy and nutrient dense, and their consumption is associated with better physical and cognitive functions in older adults, but data from interventional studies are limited. This 6-month randomised controlled trial is designed to investigate the effects of consuming 43 g/day of peanut butter (equivalent to 1.5 servings of nuts) on physical function, including walking speed (primary outcome), standing and dynamic balance, upper and lower body strength, lower body power and endurance, and associated factors including muscle mass, cognitive function and DNA telomere length in community-dwelling older adults. METHOD AND ANALYSIS: A total of 120 participants aged ≥65 years will be recruited and randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to either the intervention group (n=60) that will receive individually packaged sealed containers containing 43 g of peanut butter to be consumed once daily for 6 months alongside habitual diet, or the control group (n=60) that will maintain their habitual diet. Primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 6 months. The primary outcome is walking speed assessed using the 4 m usual gait speed test. Secondary outcomes include other physical function assessments: standing balance, chair stand time, timed-up-and-go test and four-square step test; and hand grip and knee extensor muscle strength; cognitive function assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and trail making tests; body composition; nutritional status; and DNA telomere length from participants' buccal cell samples. Linear mixed models will be used to compare changes in outcomes between intervention and control groups. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol is approved by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12622001291774. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ANZCTR12622001291774.

Exploring Experiences of People With Knee Osteoarthritis Who Received a Physiotherapist-Delivered Dietary Weight Loss and Exercise Intervention: A Mixed Methods Study.

OBJECTIVE: Explore the experiences of people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who received a very low energy diet (VLED) and exercise program from a physiotherapist. METHODS: Mixed methods study involving questionnaires (n = 42) and semistructured interviews (n = 22) with randomized control trial participants with knee OA who had received a 6-month physiotherapist-delivered VLED weight loss and exercise intervention. Questionnaires measured participant satisfaction and perceptions about physiotherapist's skills/knowledge in delivery of the dietary intervention (measured on 5-7 point Likert scales). Interviews explored participant's experiences and were analyzed based on the principles of reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Questionnaire response: 90%. Participants were satisfied with the program (95%), confident their physiotherapist had the required skills (84%) and knowledge (79%) to deliver the dietary intervention, felt comfortable talking to the physiotherapist about weight (74%), and would recommend others see a physiotherapist for the intervention they undertook (71%). The following four themes were developed from the interviews: (1) one-stop-shop of exercise and diet; (2) physiotherapist-delivered weight loss works (unsure initially; successfully lost weight); (3) physiotherapists knowledge and skills (exercise is forte; most thought physiotherapists had the necessary weight loss skills/knowledge, but some disagreed); and (4) physiotherapists have a role in weight loss (physiotherapists are intelligent, credible, and trustworthy; specific training in weight loss necessary). CONCLUSION: This study provides, to our knowledge, the first documented perspectives from people with OA who have received a physiotherapist-delivered weight loss intervention. Findings suggest physiotherapists may have a role in delivering a protocolized dietary intervention for some people with knee OA with overweight and obesity.

The burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Australia: an analysis of Global Burden of Disease study from 1990 to 2019.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease. Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data from 1990 to 2019 reported a rise in prevalence (9-13%) in Australia, which also ranked third highest for NAFLD prevalence compared to 14 similar countries. As a result of underdiagnosis, NAFLD burden is underestimated by GBD.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors around Dietary Fats among People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) surrounding dietary fat intake among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and healthcare professionals. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, four databases were searched to identify studies published between 1995 and 2023 reporting people with T2DM or healthcare professionals that measured KAB towards dietary fat. This work was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42020140247). Twenty-four studies were included. Studies assessed knowledge of people with T2DM and reported poor nutrition knowledge regarding the health effect of fat consumption. Two opposing attitudes towards dietary fat was reported: (1) dietary fat should be limited, (2) promoted dietary fat intake through a low-carbohydrate diet. Participants reported behaviors of limiting fat intake, including trimming visible fat or choosing lower-fat alternatives. Total fat intake ranged between 10 and 66% of participants' total energy intake, while saturated fat intake ranged between 10 and 17%. People with T2DM reported poor knowledge of dietary fats in particular, and they were frequently unable to identify high-fat food. Attitudes towards dietary fat were heterogenous, and regarding behaviors, saturated fat intake was higher than recommended. Future studies should assess the KAB of people with T2DM based on dietary fat subtypes.

Lifestyle intervention for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease: a 24-h integrated behavior perspective.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence, health and socioeconomic burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is growing, increasing the need for novel evidence-based lifestyle approaches. Lifestyle is the cornerstone for MAFLD management and co-existing cardiometabolic dysfunction. The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence for lifestyle management of MAFLD, with a specific lens on 24-hour integrated behaviour and provide practical recommendations for implementation of the evidence. RESULTS: Weight loss ≥ 7-10% is central to lifestyle management; however, liver and cardiometabolic benefits are attainable with improved diet quality and exercise even without weight loss. Lifestyle intervention for MAFLD should consider an integrated '24-h' approach that is cognisant of diet, physical activity/exercise, sedentary behavior, smoking, alcohol intake and sleep. Dietary management emphasises energy deficit and improved diet quality, especially the Mediterranean diet, although sociocultural adaptations to meet preferences should be considered. Increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior can prevent MAFLD, with strongest evidence in MAFLD supporting regular structured moderate-vigorous aerobic exercise for 150-240 min/week. Resistance training in addition to aerobic exercise should be considered and prioritised for those who are losing body mass via diet and/or pharmacological approaches and those with sarcopenia, to minimise bone and lean mass loss. Limited evidence suggests that sleep is important for MAFLD prevention. Emerging novel approaches to diet and exercise may address some of the key barriers to behaviour change (e.g. lack of time, access to resources and social support). FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Large-scale multidisciplinary trials in people with MAFLD with long-term follow-up, that can be scaled up into mainstream healthcare, are required. Future management guidelines should consider the heterogeneity of MAFLD and specialised models of care that coordinate the health workforce to manage the increased and growing MAFLD population.

Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Its Defining Components in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Varies According to the Method of Assessment and Adjustment: Findings from the UK Biobank.

Sarcopenia may increase non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risk, but prevalence likely varies with different diagnostic criteria. This study examined the prevalence of sarcopenia and its defining components in adults with and without NAFLD and whether it varied by the method of muscle mass assessment [bioelectrical impedance (BIA) versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)] and adjustment (height2 versus BMI). Adults (n = 7266) in the UK Biobank study (45-79 years) with and without NAFLD diagnosed by MRI, were included. Sarcopenia was defined by the 2018 European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People definition, with low appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) assessed by BIA and DXA and adjusted for height2 or BMI. Overall, 21% of participants had NAFLD and the sex-specific prevalence of low muscle strength (3.6-7.2%) and sarcopenia (0.1-1.4%) did not differ by NAFLD status. However, NAFLD was associated with 74% (males) and 370% (females) higher prevalence of low ASM when adjusted for BMI but an 82% (males) to 89% (females) lower prevalence when adjusted for height2 (all P < 0.05). The prevalence of impaired physical function was 40% (males, P = 0.08) to 123% (females, P < 0.001) higher in NAFLD. In middle-aged and older adults, NAFLD was not associated with a higher prevalence of low muscle strength or sarcopenia but was associated with an increased risk of impaired physical function and low muscle mass when adjusted for BMI. These findings support the use of adiposity-based adjustments when assessing low muscle mass and the assessment of physical function in NAFLD.

Mediterranean-style dietary interventions in adults with cancer: a systematic review of the methodological approaches, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Cancer and its treatments can lead to excess body fat, decreases in lean mass, cardiotoxicity, and other side effects. The Mediterranean diet (MED-diet) has the potential to improve clinical and supportive care outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the MED-diet on health outcomes in adults with cancer. METHODS: Three databases were searched from inception to February 2023. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials testing a MED-diet intervention among adults with cancer. Within- and between-group differences for adherence, dietary intake and health outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: Fifteen studies describing fourteen interventions were included, and there were considerable differences in study design and implementation of the MED-diet. Studies were predominately in women with a history of breast cancer. The MED-diet was safe with no adverse events reported, and feasible with high adherence and/or increases in MED-diet-compliant foods. The MED-diet when applied with an energy restriction below estimated requirements for weight loss demonstrated reductions in body weight (range: -3.9 kg to -0.7 kg). Interventions that showed significant reductions in body weight also improved quality of life. There is limited evidence to evaluating the MED-diet on cardiovascular and inflammatory markers, and heterogenous MED-diet prescriptions impede definitive conclusions on these health outcomes. CONCLUSION: The MED-diet was feasible and safe for adults with cancer. There were reported benefits for weight loss following a MED-diet when an energy restriction was applied, however further evaluation to determine the effects on cardiometabolic biomarkers and other outcomes are required.

Diet Overall and Hypocaloric Diets Are Associated With Improvements in Depression but Not Anxiety in People With Metabolic Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The risk of depression and anxiety is higher in people with metabolic conditions, but whether dietary approaches, which are central to the management of metabolic conditions, can also improve depression and anxiety is uncertain. The primary aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of dietary interventions on depression and anxiety in adults with metabolic conditions. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effects of hypocaloric and isocaloric dietary interventions on these outcomes. Four databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL) were searched from inception to March 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including dietary interventions in adults with metabolic conditions (type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and/or overweight/obesity) that assessed depression and/or anxiety as outcomes were included. Overall, 13 RCTs were included in the systematic review, ≤13 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Estimates were pooled using random-effect meta-analysis for dietary interventions compared with controls. Improvements in depression scores were found in meta-analytic models including all dietary interventions [pooled estimate for the standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.20 (95% CI: -0.35, -0.05); P = 0.007] and hypocaloric only diets [SMD = -0.27 (95% CI: -0.44, -0.10); P = 0.002]. There were no improvements in depression scores with isocaloric dietary interventions only [SMD = -0.14 (95% CI: -0.38, 0.10); P = 0.27]. In addition, there were no significant effects of any dietary interventions on anxiety scores. In adults with metabolic conditions, all dietary interventions and hypocaloric diets improved depression, but not anxiety. These findings suggest that dietary interventions including hypocaloric diets can play an important role in the management of depression in people with metabolic conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021252307).

The burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to dietary risk factors in Australia between 1990 and 2019.

Unhealthy diet is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, there are no studies reporting the impact and trends of dietary risk factors on CVD in Australia. This study aimed to determine the burden of CVDs attributable to dietary risk factors in Australia between 1990 and 2019. We used data from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study and quantified the rate (per 100,000) of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years lived with a disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) for 21 CVDs attributable to 13 dietary risk factors (eight food groups and five nutrients) in Australia by sex and age groups (≥25 years and over). In 2019, the age-standardised rates of deaths, YLDs, YLLs, and DALYs attributable to dietary risk factors attributable to CVDs in the Australian population were 26.5, 60.8, 349.9, and 410.8 per 100,000 in women and 46.1, 62.6, 807.0, and 869.6 in men. Between 1990 and 2019, YLLs consistently contributed more towards the rates of DALYs than YLDs. Over the 30-year period, CVD deaths, YLLs, and DALYs attributable to dietary risk factors declined in both women and men. The leading dietary risk factors for CVD deaths and DALYs were a diet high in red meat (6.1 deaths per 100,000 [3.6, 8.7] and 115.6 DALYs per 100,000 [79.7, 151.6]) in women and a diet low in wholegrains (11.3 deaths [4.4, 15.1] and 220.3 DALYs [86.4, 291.8]) in men. Sex differences were observed in the contribution of dietary risk factors to CVD over time such that the lowest rate of decrease in deaths and DALYs occurred with diets high in sodium in women and diets high in processed meat in men. Although the burden of diet-related CVD has decreased significantly in the Australian population over the past 30 years, diets low in wholegrains and high in red meat continue to contribute significantly to the overall CVD burden. Future nutrition programs and policies should target these dietary risk factors.

Delivery of a telehealth supported home exercise program with dietary advice to increase plant-based protein intake in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a 12-week randomised controlled feasibility trial.

This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of a telehealth delivered exercise plus plant-based protein diet in adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This was a 12-week, randomised controlled feasibility trial including twenty-eight adults aged > 45 years with NAFLD randomised to a home muscle strengthening program (3 d/week) with increased protein intake (target ∼1·2-1·5 g/kg/d) from predominately plant-based sources and behavioural change support (3-4 text messages/week) (Pro-Ex n 14) or usual care (UC, n 14). Feasibility was assessed via retention (≤ 10 % attrition), adherence (exercise ≥ 66 %; recommended daily protein serves ≥ 80 %) and safety (adverse events). Secondary outcomes included macronutrient intake (3 × 24-h records), weight, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and 30 s sit-to-stand (STS) performance. Study retention was 89 %. Mean exercise adherence (Pro-Ex) was 52 % with one adverse event from 241 sessions. In Pro-Ex, mean daily plant protein serves increased (0·9 to 1·4/d) and animal protein decreased (1·5 to 1·2/d) after 12-weeks, but overall adherence (serves/day) was 32[RD1] % (plant) and 42 % (animal). Relative to UC, Pro-Ex experienced a mean 2·7 (95 % CI: 0·9, 4·4) increase in 30 s STS number, 46-minute (95 % CI: -153, 245) increase in MVPA, 1·7 kg (95 % CI: -3·5, 0·2) decrease in weight, 35·2 g (95 % CI: 11·0, 59·3) increase in protein. In adults with NAFLD a telehealth home exercise and dietary intervention was safe and improved habitual plant and animal protein intake, but overall adherence was modest suggesting more intensive healthcare support may be required.

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may improve serum adiponectin in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: The MEDINA randomized controlled trial.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately 30% of adults worldwide, with chronic low-grade inflammation being a key pathophysiological feature of progression. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is recognized for improving metabolic and hepatic outcomes in people with diabetes and NAFLD, in part, via anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an ad libitum MedDiet versus low-fat diet (LFD) on inflammatory markers in adults with NAFLD. It was hypothesized that the MedDiet, and its individual components, would improve inflammation. This multicenter, randomized controlled trial, randomized participants to a MedDiet or LFD intervention for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included change from baseline to 12 weeks for serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, leptin, and resistin. Forty-two participants (60% female; age 52.3 ± 12.6 years; body mass index, 32.2 ± 6.2 kg/m²) were randomized to the MedDiet (n = 19) or low-fat diet (n = 23). At 12 weeks, the LFD showed a greater decrease in leptin compared with the MedDiet (-1.20 ± 3.9 ng/mL vs 0.64 ± 3.5 ng/mL, P = .010). Adiponectin significantly improved within the MedDiet (13.7 ± 9.2 µg/mL to 17.0 ± 12.5 µg/mL, P = .016), but not within the LFD group. No statistically significant changes were observed for other inflammatory markers following the MedDiet or LFD. Adherence to the MedDiet significantly improved in both study arms, although greater improvements were seen in the MedDiet group. Adiponectin significantly improved following a Mediterranean diet intervention, in the absence of weight loss. The low-fat diet did not elicit improvements in inflammatory markers. High-quality clinical trials appropriately powered to inflammatory markers are required in this population.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Sarcopenia as Comorbid Chronic Diseases in Older Adults: Established and Emerging Treatments and Therapies.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and sarcopenia (low skeletal muscle mass and function) share a bidirectional relationship. The prevalence of these diseases increases with age and they share common risk factors. Skeletal muscle fat infiltration, commonly referred to as myosteatosis, may be a major contributor to both T2DM and sarcopenia in older adults via independent effects on insulin resistance and muscle health. Many strategies to manage T2DM result in energy restriction and subsequent weight loss, and this can lead to significant declines in muscle mass in the absence of resistance exercise, which is also a first-line treatment for sarcopenia. In this review, we highlight recent evidence on established treatments and emerging therapies targeting weight loss and muscle mass and function improvements in older adults with, or at risk of, T2DM and/or sarcopenia. This includes dietary, physical activity and exercise interventions, new generation incretin-based agonists and myostatin-based antagonists, and endoscopic bariatric therapies. We also highlight how digital health technologies and health literacy interventions can increase uptake of, and adherence to, established and emerging treatments and therapies in older adults with T2DM and/or sarcopenia.

A web-based low carbohydrate diet intervention significantly improves glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: results of the T2Diet Study randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), low carbohydrate diets (LCD), defined as 10-<26% total energy intake from carbohydrate, have indicated improved glycaemic control and clinical outcomes. Web-based interventions can help overcome significant challenges of accessibility and availability of dietary education and support for T2DM. No previous study had evaluated a web-based LCD intervention using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design. The objective of this study was to assess whether a web-based LCD programme provided in conjunction with standard care improves glycaemic control in adults with T2DM. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A 16-week parallel RCT was conducted remotely during Covid-19 among the general community, recruiting adults with T2DM not on insulin aged 40-89 years. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to standard care plus the web-based T2Diet healthy LCD education programme (intervention) or standard care only (control). The primary outcome was haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes were weight, body mass index (BMI), anti-glycaemic medication, dietary intake, and self-efficacy. Blinded data analysis was conducted by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Ninety-eight participants were enrolled, assigning 49 to each group, with 87 participants (n = 40 intervention; n = 47 control) included in outcome analysis. At 16 weeks, there was a statistically significant between-group difference favouring the intervention group, with reductions in HbA1c -0.65% (95% CI: -0.99 to -0.30; p < 0.0001), weight -3.26 kg (p < 0.0001), BMI -1.11 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001), and anti-glycaemic medication requirements -0.40 (p < 0.0001), with large effect sizes Cohen's d > 0.8. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that as an adjunct to standard care, the web-based T2Diet programme significantly improved glycaemic control and clinical outcomes in adults with T2DM. In addition, the results highlight the potential to improve access and availability for people with T2DM to achieve glycaemic control and improved health through web-based dietary education and support.

Experience and perceptions among rheumatoid arthritis patients following a telehealth-delivered dietary intervention: a qualitative study.

The effects of dietary modifications have been assessed in people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with consistent benefits reported from clinical trials. However, the lived experience of making and sustaining positive dietary changes for people with RA remains unknown. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of adults with RA and their perceptions of a 12-week telehealth-delivered dietary intervention and to assess the acceptability of the programme. Qualitative data was collected via four online focus groups with participants who had just completed a 12-week dietary intervention programme delivered through telehealth methods. Thematic analysis was used to code and summarize the identified key themes. Twenty-one adults with RA (47.5 ± 12.3 years, 90.5% females) were included in this qualitative study. Overarching themes included: (a) motivation to join the programme, (b) benefits of the programme, (c) factors influencing adherence to dietary prescription, and (d) advantages and disadvantages of telehealth. The study demonstrated that a dietary intervention delivered through telehealth methods by a Registered Dietitian (RD) appears to be well-accepted and may be used to complement face-to-face care for people with RA. The identified factors influencing the adoption of a healthier eating pattern will aid in the development of future dietary interventions for a RA population.