Language

English

Publication Date

5-29-2026

Journal

Nutrition & Diabetes

DOI

10.1038/s41387-026-00430-0

PMID

42209467

PMCID

PMC13409026

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

5-29-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Background: Pork is a common source of high-quality protein. However, it is typically recommended in moderation due to its saturated fat content, especially as its role in weight management, weight-loss (WL) programs, and overall diet quality is not well understood. This study aimed to identify associations among pork intake, WL, and diet quality among adults with overweight or obesity participating in a weight management program (WMP).

Methods: This secondary analysis used data from a 6-month randomized controlled trial (NCT05648344) evaluating the effectiveness of a WMP on diet quality. Data were collected through online surveys and the Automated Self-Administered 24-h Dietary Assessment Tool, and diet quality was assessed with the Healthy-Eating Index-2020. Based on reported pork products at baseline, participants were categorized as pork consumers (PC) or no-pork consumers (NPC). ANCOVA assessed associations between pork intake status and percent WL; linear mixed models assessed pork intake status and diet quality; and logistic regressions evaluated the achievement of WL milestones by pork intake status.

Results: A total of 187 participants randomized to the WMP were included in the analysis. Participants' mean age: 47.6 ± 12.1 years; mean BMI: 33.6 ± 4.6 kg/m²; 5.9% Hispanic, 74.3% White; and 78.6% were PC. At 6 months, both PC and NPC achieved clinically meaningful WL, with PC averaging (SE) 5.3% (1.4), and NPC 8.6% (2.0). NPC attained significantly higher % WL, by mean (SE) 3.3 (1.4) % points, relative to PC, p = 0.019. Both groups experienced greater diet quality at 6 months, which increased by 4.3 (1.1) for PC, and by 2.5 (2.0) for NPC, p = 0.442.

Conclusions: Habitual pork consumers in a WMP may achieve clinically meaningful WL and improve diet quality. However, more weight was lost among NPC, warranting further exploration.

Keywords

Obesity, Nutrition

Published Open-Access

yes

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