ashemorrhoids,constipation,irritable bowel syn-
drome, and diverticular disorders. In addition, high-
fiber intake, especially soluble fiber, has been linked to
lower blood cholesterol levels. A reduced risk of type 2
diabetes has also been tied to consumption of ahigh-
fiber diet.Precautions
Volumetrics encourages dieters to eat foods rich
in fiber. However, people who normally eat a low-fiber
diet and add too much fiber too quickly can suffer
some uncomfortable side effects, including intestinal
gas, abdominal bloating, cramping, and constipation.
Increasing fiber gradually to the 20 to 30 grams
daily recommended by Volumetrics can help a per-
son’s digestive system to adjust to the dietary change.
Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep stools soft
and bulky and prevent constipation.Risks
There are no risks associated with the dietary rec-
ommendations made in the Volumetrics Eating Plan.Research and general acceptance
The principles of Volumetrics are consistent with
the recommendations made by the United States
Department of Agriculture and outlined in its Food
Guide Pyramid. It is generally accepted by registered
dietitians and nutritionists as a sensible, effective, and
nutritionally balanced eating plan that promotes
healthy food choices based on research and science.
Volumetrics: Feel Full on Fewer Caloriesand otherVolumetrics publications include references to a
variety of research studies published in peer-reviewed
journals.
In 2004, the Tufts University Health and Nutri-
tion Letter namedThe Volumetrics Eating Planone of
the three best diet books on the market. In addition,
the American Dietetic Association includesThe Volu-
metrics Eating Planon its 2007 Good Nutrition Read-
ing List.Resources
BOOKS
Rolls, Barbara.The Volumetrics Eating Plan.HarperCollins
Publishers, 2005.
Rolls, Barbara, and Barnett, Robert.The Volumetrics
Weight-Control Plan: Feel Full on Fewer Calories.Har-
perTorch Publishers, 2003.
Rolls, Barbara, and Barnett, Robert.Volumetrics: Feel Full
on Fewer Calories.HarperCollins Publishers, 2000.
Rolls, Barbara, and Hill, J.Carbohydrates and Weight
Management.ILSI Press, 1998.
PERIODICALS
Flood, J.E., Roe, L.S. and Rolls, B.J. (2006). The effect of
increased beverage portion size on energy intake at a
meal.Journal of the American Dietetic Association,
106(12): 1984-1990.
Kral, T.V.E., Roe, L.S. and Rolls, B.J. (2004). Combined
effects of energy density and portion size on energy
intake in women.American Journal of Clinical Nutri-
tion,79, 962-968.
Rolls, B.J., Morris, E.L. and Roe, L.S. (2002). Portion size
of food affects energy intake in normal-weight and
overweight men and women.American Journal of Clin-
ical Nutrition,76, 1207-1213.
Rolls, B.J., Roe, L.S. and Meengs, J.S. (2004). Salad and
satiety: energy density and portion size of a first course
salad affect energy intake at lunch.Journal of the
American Dietetic Association,104, 1570-1576.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Dietetic Association. 120 South Riverside Plaza,
Suite 2000, Chicago, Illinois 60606-6995. (800) 877-
1600.<http://www.eatright.org>
Laboratory for the Study of Human Ingestive Behavior.
Pennsylvania State University, 226 Henderson Build-
ing, University Park, PA 16802. (814) 863-8482.
<http://nutrition.hhdev.psu.edu/foodlab>
USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center. National
Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore Avenue, Room
105, Beltsville, MD 20705. (301) 504-5414.<http://
fnic.nal.usda.gov/
Volumetrics Eating Plan.<http://www.volumetricseatingplan.
com>Amy L. SuttonQUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR
DOCTOR What are the potential benefits for a person of
my age, sex, and lifestyle in adopting the
Volumetrics plan?
What are the potential health risks, if any, for me
as an individual?
Are there any health concerns associated with
Volumetrics?
Do I need to worry about vitamin, mineral, or
nutrient deficiencies if I eat according to the
Volumetrics plan?
Have you had any patients who have used
Volumetrics? What were their results and did
they maintain weight loss over the long term?Volumetrics