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Cited by 3Nutritional Studies and DietDietetics, Nutrition, and EducationNutrition, Health and Food Behavior

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 49 of the 49 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; 4 of the 26 sources its claims cite were checked for support.

One‐Year Weight Loss Following a Remote Culinary Medicine Program: A Bi‐Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Open access
Polak, Rani, Budd, Maggi A., Finkelstein, Adi, Goldsmith, Rebecca, Goldstein, Richard, Gray, Brianna E., Keshet, Rom, Tirosh, Amir·2026·Obesity
DOI 10.1002/oby.70193PMC PMC13116008
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Abstract

Introduction: Health‐related culinary intervention, termed culinary medicine (CM), is an innovative evidence‐based strategy in the field of nutrition to improve dietary quality and prevent/manage chronic diseases. Long‐term effects on dietary intake and obesity using well‐designed studies are limited. Methods: A randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of a CM intervention on body weight. Participants were age 25–70 with BMI 27.5–35 kg/m 2 . Intervention: Dietary counseling and twelve 30‐min CM sessions. Control: Dietary counseling and CM resources. Body weight, nutrition, and health outcomes were measured at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Fifty participants are included in a modified intention to treat analysis. Average intervention group weight loss was: at 3 months, −3.23% (3.52%), net difference −2.52% (CI: −0.48% to −4.56%; p = 0.016); at 6 months, −4.2% (5.24%), net difference −2.98% (CI: −0.36% to −5.60%; p = 0.027); and at 12 months, −4.02% (6.24%), net difference −4.30% (CI: −0.69% to −7.92%; p = 0.021). Intervention group had: fat mass loss at 6 months, 1.86% (1.54%), net difference 1.96% (CI: −3.82% to 0.11%, p = 0.039); Mediterranean diet score improvement at 3 months, 2 points, net difference 1.62 (CI: 0.263 to 2.968; p = 0.020); and calorie consumption decrease at 6 months, 452 cal, net difference −390 (CI: −701.1 to −78.13; p = 0.015). Conclusions: CM can be an effective strategy to promote weight and body fat loss. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03823469; preregistered on June 30, 2019

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In a bi-center randomized controlled trial, a remote culinary medicine program integrated with health coaching produced significantly greater 1-year weight loss than control among adults with overweight/obesity. The intervention group lost 4.02% of body weight at 12 months versus a 0.28% gain in control, with supportive improvements in fat mass and some dietary measures.

Key findings

  • Weight loss was greater in the intervention group at all follow-ups: at 3 months, −3.23% vs −0.71% (net difference −2.52%, 95% CI −0.48% to −4.56%, p = 0.016); at 6 months, −4.2% vs −1.22% (net difference −2.98%, 95% CI −0.36% to −5.60%, p = 0.027); and at 12 months, −4.02% vs +0.28% (net difference −4.30%, 95% CI −0.69% to −7.92%, p = 0.021).
  • In complete-case body composition analysis at 6 months, fat mass changed by −1.86% in the intervention group vs +0.11% in control, with a net difference of 1.96% (95% CI −3.82% to 0.11%, p = 0.039); lean body mass did not change significantly.
  • Dietary outcomes favored the intervention for the Mediterranean diet assessment tool at 3 months (+2 points; net difference 1.62, 95% CI 0.263–2.968, p = 0.020) and calorie intake at 6 months (−452 cal; net difference −390, 95% CI −701.1 to −78.13, p = 0.015), while aMED and NOVA MPF/UPF changes were not significant between groups.
  • More intervention participants lost ≥5% body weight at 12 months (43% vs 17%; OR 3.7, p = 0.055), and no serious adverse events were reported.

Methods

  • Bi-center RCT conducted at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, and Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, between May 2019 and September 2022; participants were age 25–70 with BMI 27.5–35 kg/m² and fewer than five home-cooked meals per week. Of 75 enrolled, 50 were included in modified intention-to-treat analysis (24 intervention, 26 control).
  • Both groups received two Mediterranean-diet nutrition sessions; the intervention group also received 12 weekly, one-on-one, 30-minute remote culinary coaching sessions combining culinary training with health coaching, while control received culinary medicine resources.
  • Outcomes were measured at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months and included body weight, DXA body composition at baseline and 6 months, 4-day food records, validated cooking/stress/physical activity questionnaires, and clinical measures; analysis used modified intention-to-treat linear regression, chi-square for >5% weight loss, and sensitivity analyses for COVID-related out-of-window visits.

Limitations

  • The paper states that COVID-19 led to high dropout after the first visit (attrition bias), modified online visits with self-reported weight and no body composition or health outcomes, and out-of-window visits; it calls for future studies outside COVID-19 restrictions and on social determinants of health/health equity.
  • The paper states no adjustment for multiple comparisons for secondary outcomes; the text also makes evident the small mITT sample (50), the primary outcome being 6-month weight while 12-month findings are secondary, and the control group receiving nutrition sessions plus culinary medicine resources, so the trial isolates the added culinary coaching component.
  • The text makes evident that online self-reported weight may introduce social desirability bias despite scale-image verification, and that the significant fat-mass finding came from complete-case analysis rather than the mITT analysis.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1002/oby.70193

Cites

49 of 49 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

4 of 26 cited sources checked · 3 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    Systematic reviews assessing culinary medicine outcomes indicate short-term improvements in cooking skills and nutrition intake.

    “Systematic reviews assessing CM outcomes indicate short‐term improvements in cooking skills and nutrition intake [16, 17].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [16] B. Hasan, W. G. Thompson, J. Almasri, et al., “ The Effect of Culinary Interventions (Cooking Classes) on Dietary Intake and Behavioral Change: A Systematic Review and Evidence Map,” BMC Nutrition 5, no. 1 (2019): 29, 10.1186/s40795-019-0293-8. 32153942 PMC7050805 source

      The Results section (‘Attitudes, self-efficacy and dietary intake’; page unavailable) reports improved healthy dietary intake in children and adults, and ‘Description of the intervention’ gives a mean follow-up of 25 weeks. The review also reports improved self-efficacy, but does not establish an improvement in cooking skills themselves; its discussion describes skills that classes can teach rather than a measured skills outcome. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [17] M. Reicks, M. Kocher, and J. Reeder, “ Impact of Cooking and Home Food Preparation Interventions Among Adults: A Systematic Review (2011–2016),” Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 50, no. 2 (2018): 148– 172.e1, 10.1016/j.jneb.2017.08.004. 28958671 source
  • Interpretationcitation

    The weight loss observed in this study is comparable with the weight loss effect of naltrexone/bupropione.

    “This weight loss is comparable with the weight loss effect of naltrexone/bupropione [40].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [40] B. McGowan, A. Ciudin, J. L. Baker, et al., “ A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological Treatments for Obesity in Adults,” Nature Medicine 31, no. 10 (2025): 3317– 3329, 10.1038/s41591-025-03978-z. PMC12532627 41039116 source
  • Findingown data

    A trend was identified in the decrease of triglycerides between groups at 12 months, -38.65 mg/dL (95% CI -82.7 to -5.38, p=0.084).

    “Trends were identified in the decrease of triglycerides between groups at 6 months, −32.8 mg/dL (−66.4 to 0.84, p = 0.056), and 12 months, −38.65 mg/dL (−82.7 to −5.38, p = 0.084).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Self-efficacy for cooking techniques and meal preparation improved significantly in intervention group participants at 12 months (p=0.040).

    “Self‐efficacy for cooking techniques and meal preparation (p = 0.040 at 12 months) improved significantly in intervention group participants; trends were observed in negative cooking attitudes (0.061 at 12 months) and self‐efficacy for eating/cooking fruit and vegetables (0.078 at 3 months).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Within the intervention group, increased legumes consumption at 3 months was significant (p=0.001).

    “increased legumes (p = 0.001) and decreased commercial sweets consumption (p = 0.001) at 3 months”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 30
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 21

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Previous studies have shown that ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is correlated with overweight and obesity.

    “Previous studies have shown that UPF consumption is correlated with overweight and obesity [10]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] S. J. Dicken and R. L. Batterham, “ Ultra‐Processed Food and Obesity: What Is the Evidence?,” Current Nutrition Reports 13, no. 1 (2024): 23– 38, 10.1007/s13668-024-00517-z. 38294671 PMC10924027 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Previous publications showed long-term improvement in culinary skills.

    “Our previous publications showed short‐term improvement in culinary confidence and nutrition [27] and long‐term improvement in culinary skills [28].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [28] A. Finkelstein, M. A. Budd, B. E. Gray, J. Mirsky, A. Tirosh, and R. Polak, “ Personalized Culinary Medicine: Qualitative Analyses of Perceptions From Participants in Action and Contemplation Stages of Change Through a One‐Year Bi‐Center Randomized Controlled Trial,” Nutrients 17, no. 4 (2025): 704, 10.3390/nu17040704. 40005034 PMC11858461 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    At 6 months, the intervention group had an average weight loss of -4.2% (SD 5.24%) compared with -1.22% (SD 3.47%) in the control group, a net difference of -2.98% (95% CI -0.36% to -5.60%, p=0.027).

    “at 6 months, −4.2% (5.24%), net difference −2.98% (CI: −0.36% to −5.60%; p = 0.027)”
    • Also stated in: § Weight Loss and Body Composition · plain
      “The intervention group average weight loss was −4.2% (5.24%), and −1.22% (3.47%) in the control, with a significant weight change difference of −2.98% (CI: −0.36% to −5.60%, p = 0.027).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Increases in the Mediterranean diet assessment tool score were identified through all visits, with a significant between-group change of 1.62 at 3 months (95% CI 0.263 to 2.968, p=0.020).

    “Increases in the Mediterranean diet assessment tool score through all visits were identified with a significant change of 1.62 between groups at 3 months (CI: 0.263–2.968, p = 0.020).”
    • Also stated in: § Nutritional Outcomes · plain
      “3 months | 2 (1.01 to 2.99) | 0.38 (−0.54 to 1.31) | 1.62 (0.263 to 2.968) | 0.020”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    In complete case analysis, the intervention group had an average fat mass loss of -1.86% (SD 1.54%) compared with +0.11% (SD 1.03%) in the control group, a significant between-group difference of 1.96% (95% CI -3.82% to 0.11%, p=0.039).

    “However, complete case analysis demonstrated an average fat mass loss of −1.86% (−1.54%) in the intervention group compared to +0.11% (1.03%) in the control, resulting in a significant change difference between the groups of 1.96% (CI: −3.82% to 0.11%, p = 0.039) without significant changes in lean body mass.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingown data

    A trend was observed in self-efficacy for eating/cooking fruit and vegetables at 3 months (p=0.078).

    “trends were observed in negative cooking attitudes (0.061 at 12 months) and self‐efficacy for eating/cooking fruit and vegetables (0.078 at 3 months).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    At 6 months, the intervention group had a decrease in calorie consumption of 452 cal, with a significant between-group difference of -390 cal (95% CI -701.1 to -78.13, p=0.015).

    “calorie consumption decrease at 6 months, 452 cal, net difference −390 (CI: −701.1 to −78.13; p = 0.015)”
    • Also stated in: § Nutritional Outcomes · plain
      “6 months | −452 (−688 to −216) | −62.4 (−266 to 141) | −390 (−701.1 to −78.13) | 0.015”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    At 12 months, the intervention group had an average weight loss of -4.02% (SD 6.24%) compared with a weight gain of +0.28% (SD 5.88%) in the control group, a net difference of -4.30% (95% CI -0.69% to -7.92%, p=0.021).

    “at 12 months, −4.02% (6.24%), net difference −4.30% (CI: −0.69% to −7.92%; p = 0.021)”
    • Also stated in: § Weight Loss and Body Composition · plain
      “At 1 year, the intervention group maintained weight loss with an average of −4.02% (6.24%), compared to control with weight gain of +0.28% (5.88%), with a maximum weight change difference of −4.30% (CI: −0.69% to −7.92%, p = 0.021).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    An increase in the Mediterranean diet score at 6 months was a significant change that may have led to weight loss.

    “Significant changes that may have led to weight loss included a decrease in calorie and commercial sweets consumption [43] at 3 months, an increase in the Mediterranean diet score [19] at 6 months, and a decrease in sweet beverages [44] at 12 months.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    A decrease in sweet beverages at 12 months was a significant change that may have led to weight loss.

    “Significant changes that may have led to weight loss included a decrease in calorie and commercial sweets consumption [43] at 3 months, an increase in the Mediterranean diet score [19] at 6 months, and a decrease in sweet beverages [44] at 12 months.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    At 220 days, the intervention group had an average weight loss of −4.79% compared to −1.20% in the control group, with a between-group difference of −3.56% (95% CI −0.80% to −6.32%, p=0.012).

    “At 220 days the average weight loss of the intervention was −4.79%, compared to −1.20% in the control, with a change difference of −3.56% (CI: −0.80% to −6.32%, p = 0.012).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    A decrease in calorie and commercial sweets consumption at 3 months was a significant change that may have led to weight loss.

    “Significant changes that may have led to weight loss included a decrease in calorie and commercial sweets consumption [43] at 3 months, an increase in the Mediterranean diet score [19] at 6 months, and a decrease in sweet beverages [44] at 12 months.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The weight difference was maintained up to 415 days, with an average weight loss of −4.14% in the intervention group compared to −0.48% in the control group, and a between-group weight loss difference of 3.66% (95% CI −7.10% to −0.21%, p=0.038).

    “This weight difference was maintained for up to 415 days with an average weight loss of −4.14% within the intervention group, compared to −0.48% in the control, and a weight loss difference between groups of 3.66% (95% CI: −7.10% to −0.21%, p = 0.038).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Two participants were diagnosed with COVID-19, one in each group.

    “Two participants were diagnosed with COVID‐19, one in each group (more information in the online Supporting Information).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    No differences between the intervention and control groups were observed in changes in physical activity, stress, and smoking.

    “No differences between the groups were observed in the changes in physical activity, stress, and smoking.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductown data

    The intervention group had a higher level of LDL cholesterol at baseline than the control group.

    “There were no differences in weight and dietary intake between groups; the intervention group had a higher level of LDL cholesterol.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Physical activity status was measured using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

    “Physical activity status was measured using the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire [34].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [34] C. L. Craig, A. L. Marshall, M. Sjöström, et al., “ International Physical Activity Questionnaire: 12‐Country Reliability and Validity,” Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 35, no. 8 (2003): 1381– 1395, 10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB. 12900694 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Culinary attitudes and self-efficacy were evaluated by the validated Cooking With Chef instrument.

    “Culinary attitudes and self‐efficacy were evaluated by the validated Cooking With Chef instrument [32].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] M. D. Condrasky, J. E. Williams, P. M. Catalano, and S. F. Griffin, “ Development of Psychosocial Scales for Evaluating the Impact of a Culinary Nutrition Education Program on Cooking and Healthful Eating,” Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 43, no. 6 (2011): 511– 516, 10.1016/j.jneb.2010.09.013. 21840764 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Two additional sensitivity analyses were performed due to COVID-19 out-of-window visits: per visit analysis within 2 months and per date analysis using days since baseline.

    “Due to COVID‐19‐related out of window visits, two additional sensitivity analyses were performed: (1) per visit analysis using outcomes measured within 2 months from the study visit date and (2) per date analysis, using days since baseline.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductown data

    Outcomes with missing data due to modified COVID-19 visits were analyzed using complete case analysis.

    “Outcomes with missing data due to modified COVID‐19 visits were also analyzed using complete case analysis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, 48 visits were conducted online; weight was self-reported with a scale image for quality assurance, and body composition, lipid profile, blood pressure, and HbA1c were not performed.

    “During the COVID‐19 pandemic the study protocol was adjusted to meet the IRB risk regulations; thus, 48 visits were conducted online. Weight measurement was self‐reported (including a scale image for quality assurance); and body composition, lipid profile, blood pressure, and HbA1c were not performed.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    Outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year in the hospital clinical research center with staff blinded to patient groupings and measurements.

    “Outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year in the hospital clinical research center (CRC) with staff who were blinded to patient groupings and measurements.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    No adjustment for multiple comparisons was made for secondary outcomes.

    “We made no adjustment for multiple comparisons for secondary outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    There were no differences in weight and dietary intake between the intervention and control groups at baseline.

    “There were no differences in weight and dietary intake between groups; the intervention group had a higher level of LDL cholesterol.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Stress level was measured by the validated Perceived Stress Scale.

    “Stress level was measured by the validated Perceived Stress Scale [33].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [33] S. Cohen, T. Kamarck, and R. Mermelstein, “ A Global Measure of Perceived Stress,” Journal of Health and Social Behavior 24, no. 4 (1983): 385– 396. 6668417 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The trial was preregistered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03823469) on June 30, 2019.

    “ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03823469; preregistered on June 30, 2019”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Participants were allocated to a group by randomized sequence at each site using permuted blocks of size 2 and 4, generated before the study started by staff not otherwise involved in the study.

    “Participants were allocated to a group by randomized sequence at each site using permuted blocks of size 2 and 4, generated before the study started by staff not otherwise involved in the study.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Culinary medicine is emerging as an innovative strategy to improve dietary quality, reduce ultraprocessed food consumption, and promote health.

    “Health‐related culinary intervention, termed culinary medicine (CM), is emerging as an innovative strategy to improve dietary quality, reduce UPF consumption, and promote health [15].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [15] S. Croxford, E. Stirling, J. MacLaren, J. McWhorter, L. Frederick, and O. Thomas, “ Culinary Medicine or Culinary Nutrition? Defining Terms for Use in Education and Practice,” Nutrients 16, no. 5 (2024): 603, 10.3390/nu16050603. 38474731 PMC10933959 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Modified online visits included self-measurement of weight and did not include body composition and health outcomes.

    “Second, there were modified online visits that included self‐measurement of weight and did not include body composition and health outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Staff were blinded to the intervention.

    “experienced CRC with staff who were blinded to the intervention.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Extensive discussions during data collection/entry ensured that food group and NOVA coding was as similar as possible between the two sites.

    “Extensive discussions during data collection/entry ensured that food group and NOVA coding was as similar as possible between the two sites.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Over 5% weight loss is considered clinically meaningful.

    “Over 5% weight loss is considered clinically meaningful [38]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [38] D. B. Horn, J. P. Almandoz, and M. Look, “ What Is Clinically Relevant Weight Loss for Your Patients and How Can It Be Achieved? A Narrative Review,” Postgraduate Medicine 134, no. 4 (2022): 359– 375, 10.1080/00325481.2022.2051366. 35315311 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The risk for weight misreport (social desirability bias) was addressed by requiring a supplementary scale image.

    “The risk for weight misreport (social desirability bias) was addressed by requiring a supplementary scale image, and the risk for discrepancies between the home and CRC scales was addressed by collecting home together with onsite measurements at the following meeting.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Interpretationnone given

    Numerous potentially beneficial but nonsignificant changes in nutrients and food group intake may also have supported the weight change.

    “In addition, numerous potentially beneficial but nonsignificant changes in nutrients and food group intake may also have supported the weight change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    This study uses validated instruments, lab data, DXA scans, and dietary records, analyzed through site-specific software.

    “The majority of CM literature uses pre/post self‐developed questionnaires, and this study uses validated instruments, lab data, DXA scans, and dietary records, which were analyzed through site‐specific software to allow each site to more accurately code culturally specific foods.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Lifestyle modifications are the first line in weight loss guidelines.

    “lifestyle modifications are the first line in weight loss guidelines [42].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [42] American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee, “ 8. Obesity and Weight Management for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes‐2024,” Diabetes Care 47, no. S1 (2024): S145– S157, 10.2337/dc24-S008. 38078578 PMC10725806 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Increased intake of minimally processed food (MPF) leads to weight loss.

    “and increased intake of MPF leads to weight loss [9].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9] K. D. Hall, A. Ayuketah, R. Brychta, et al., “ Ultra‐Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake,” Cell Metabolism 30, no. 1 (2019): 226, 10.1016/j.cmet.2019.05.020. 31269427 PMC7959109 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The risk for discrepancies between the home and CRC scales was addressed by collecting home together with onsite measurements at the following meeting.

    “The risk for weight misreport (social desirability bias) was addressed by requiring a supplementary scale image, and the risk for discrepancies between the home and CRC scales was addressed by collecting home together with onsite measurements at the following meeting.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    A recent systematic review found that the precise effect of remote culinary medicine programs is limited by the quality and duration of the interventions.

    “A recent systematic review evaluating remote CM programs found that the precise effect of these interventions is limited by the quality and duration of the interventions [22].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] W. Sanaan, F. Lavelle, R. Taylor, T. Bucher, R. Asher, and C. E. Collins, “ The Effectiveness of Online Culinary Nutrition Courses on Cooking Skills: A Systematic Review,” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 66 (2026): 504– 518, 10.1080/10408398.2025.2526680. 40591519 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Health coaching is a patient-centered approach wherein a health coach empowers patients to determine their goals through self-discovery or active learning and to self-monitor behaviors for increased accountability.

    “Health coaching is a patient‐centered approach wherein a health coach empowers patients to determine their goals through self‐discovery or active learning process and to self‐monitor behaviors for increased accountability [25].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [25] J. A. Matthews, S. Matthews, M. D. Faries, and R. Q. Wolever, “ Supporting Sustainable Health Behavior Change: The Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts,” Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality and Outcomes 8, no. 3 (2024): 263– 275, 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2023.10.002. PMC11130595 38807973 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Out-of-window visits were addressed by adding per visit analysis using only outcomes measured within 2 months from the study visit date and per date analysis.

    “Third, out of window visits were addressed by adding per visit analysis using only outcomes measured within 2 months from the study visit date and per date analysis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The culinary coaching telemedicine program combines culinary training with health coaching principles as a two-prong approach to improve nutrition and health.

    “The culinary coaching telemedicine program combines culinary training with health coaching principles as a two‐prong approach to improve nutrition and health [26].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [26] R. Polak, D. Dill, M. J. Abrahamson, R. M. Pojednic, and E. M. Phillips, “ Innovation in Diabetes Care: Improving Consumption of Healthy Food Through a Chef Coaching Program: A Case Report,” Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health 3, no. 6 (2014): 42– 48, 10.7453/gahmj.2014.059. PMC4268645 25568831 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Premisecitation

    Well-designed studies are needed that rigorously evaluate the long-term impact of culinary medicine interventions on obesity and health.

    “Well‐designed studies are needed that rigorously evaluate the long‐term impact of CM interventions on obesity and health [17, 22].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [17] M. Reicks, M. Kocher, and J. Reeder, “ Impact of Cooking and Home Food Preparation Interventions Among Adults: A Systematic Review (2011–2016),” Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 50, no. 2 (2018): 148– 172.e1, 10.1016/j.jneb.2017.08.004. 28958671 source
    • cites [22] W. Sanaan, F. Lavelle, R. Taylor, T. Bucher, R. Asher, and C. E. Collins, “ The Effectiveness of Online Culinary Nutrition Courses on Cooking Skills: A Systematic Review,” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 66 (2026): 504– 518, 10.1080/10408398.2025.2526680. 40591519 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductown data

    Sensitivity analyses for all outcomes showed no qualitative difference, so the conclusion did not change.

    “Sensitivity analyses for all outcomes showed no qualitative difference; thus, nothing has changed in the conclusion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
44 of 44

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Participants with overweight and stage 1 obesity are less likely to use weight loss medications.

    “Participants with overweight and stage 1 obesity were chosen for this study as they were less likely to use weight loss medications.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Choosing the upper half of overweight increases the likelihood of glucose or lipid abnormalities at baseline.

    “In order to also collect data on adiposity‐related health outcomes, the upper half of overweight was chosen to increase the likelihood of glucose or lipids abnormalities at baseline.”
2 of 2

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Twelve-month triglyceride confidence interval conflicts with its p value

    Major

    The stated 95% confidence interval excludes zero, while the reported p value of 0.084 is not significant at the 0.05 level.

  • Fat-mass difference has the wrong sign

    Major

    The intervention change of −1.86% minus the control change of +0.11% is −1.97%, not +1.96%. The small difference in magnitude may reflect rounding, but the sign is reversed.

    Reported 1.96 · recomputed -1.97

  • Fat-mass confidence interval conflicts with its p value

    Major

    The reported 95% confidence interval includes zero, whereas the reported two-sided p value indicates significance at the 0.05 level.

  • Three-month triglyceride estimate lies outside its confidence interval

    Minor

    The reported between-group estimate is −17.6 mg/dL, but its stated 95% confidence interval ends at −24.0 mg/dL and therefore does not contain the estimate.

  • Significant calorie-intake difference assigned to the wrong visit

    Minor

    The text assigns the −390-calorie significant between-group difference to 3 months. Table 2 reports that difference at 6 months; its 3-month difference is −110 calories and is not significant.

5 of 5

Citations

Cites

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Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Metadata

Authors
Polak, R., Budd, M. A., Finkelstein, A., Goldsmith, R., Goldstein, R., Gray, B. E., Keshet, R., & Tirosh, A.
Affiliations
  • Harvard University (US)
  • Jerusalem College of Technology (IL)
  • Israel Ministry of Health (IL)
  • Massachusetts General Hospital (US)
  • Sheba Medical Center (IL)
  • Tel Aviv University (IL)
Corresponding author
Polak, Rani
ORCID
Venue
Obesity
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2026-04-07
Volume
34
Issue
5
Pages
1045-1055
ISSN
  • 1930-7381 (ISSN-L)
  • 1930-739X
DOI
10.1002/oby.70193
PMC
PMC13116008
OpenAlex
W7152021411
Cited by
3
References
49
Citations by year
2026: 3
FWCI
15.08
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Obesity (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Funders
Clinical Center (1UL1TR002541‐01)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Nutritional Studies and Diet
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Dietetics, Nutrition, and Education
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior
Keywords
culinary medicine, weight loss, nutrition counseling, Mediterranean diet, fat loss, energy intake, diet quality, remote intervention, chronic disease prevention
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Energy Intake, Cooking, Counseling, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Obesity, Weight Loss, Body Mass Index, Treatment Outcome

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-09, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).

A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-09 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).

Cited sources are checked with a language model’s help (gpt-6-sol).

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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