Qualitative assessment of other anthropometric indices also showed a beneficial effect of this dietary pattern in improving body fat and BMI values ; however , these findings are not conclusive because of limited number of studies .
Adherence to the ND  significantly improves body weight ; however , there is also no certainty that this diet is effective for improving other anthropometric indices .
Studies on the effect of the Nordic diet ( ND ) on body weight and adiposity indices were conflicting .
This study targeted to perform a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled clinical trials ( RCTs ) examined the effect of the ND on body weight and composition .
Effects of a healthy Nordic diet on cardiovascular risk factors in hypercholesterolaemic subjects: a randomized controlled trial (NORDIET).
OBJECTIVE the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a healthy Nordic diet ( ND ) on cardiovascular risk factors . DESIGN AND SUBJECTS in a r and omized controlled trial ( NORDIET ) conducted in Sweden , 88 mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects were r and omly assigned to an ad libitum ND or control diet ( subjects ' usual Western diet ) for 6 weeks . Participants in the ND group were provided with all meals and foods . Primary outcome measurements were low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol , and secondary outcomes were blood pressure ( BP ) and insulin sensitivity ( fasting insulin and homeostatic model assessment -insulin resistance ) . The ND was rich in high-fibre plant foods , fruits , berries , vegetables , whole grains , rapeseed oil , nuts , fish and low-fat milk products , but low in salt , added sugars and saturated fats . RESULTS the ND contained 27 % , 52 % , 19 % and 2 % of energy from fat , carbohydrate , protein and alcohol , respectively . In total , 86 of 88 subjects r and omly assigned to diet completed the study . Compared with controls , there was a decrease in plasma cholesterol ( -16 % , P < 0.001 ) , LDL cholesterol ( -21 % , P < 0.001 ) , high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol ( -5 % , P < 0.01 ) , LDL/HDL ( -14 % , P < 0.01 ) and apolipoprotein (apo)B/apoA1 ( -1 % , P < 0.05 ) in the ND group . The ND reduced insulin ( -9 % , P = 0.01 ) and systolic BP by -6.6 ± 13.2 mmHg ( -5 % , P < 0.05 ) compared with the control diet . Despite the ad libitum nature of the ND , body weight decreased after 6 weeks in the ND compared with the control group ( -4 % , P < 0.001 ) . After adjustment for weight change , the significant differences between groups remained for blood lipids , but not for insulin sensitivity or BP . There were no significant differences in diastolic BP or triglyceride or glucose concentrations . CONCLUSIONS a healthy ND improves blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure at clinical ly relevant levels in hypercholesterolaemic subjects
Qualitative assessment of other anthropometric indices also showed a beneficial effect of this dietary pattern in improving body fat and BMI values ; however , these findings are not conclusive because of limited number of studies .
Adherence to the ND  significantly improves body weight ; however , there is also no certainty that this diet is effective for improving other anthropometric indices .
Studies on the effect of the Nordic diet ( ND ) on body weight and adiposity indices were conflicting .
This study targeted to perform a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled clinical trials ( RCTs ) examined the effect of the ND on body weight and composition .