Personality as a predictor of diet induced weight loss and weight management

All participants receive 4 x 1hr of nutrition education and counselling. In groups of 2-4 participants learn about the energy density of foods, the sizes of portions/serves, and how to use food labels on processed foods, Individually participants learn about their energy and nutrient needs, how to manage serve sizes from the different food groups and managing food choices when eating out. Participants follow either one of two dietary interventions for weight loss, either a low energy diet for gradual weight loss over a longer time frame, or a very low energy diet for rapid weight loss over a shorter time frame 1) The first 30 people accepted to take part in the study are allocated to follow a portion controlled reduced energy diet of 5,000-6,000 kJ/d for 12 weeks. Their diet is developed under the guidance of a dietitian and based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. For the first four weeks participants attend weekly to monitor weight change and well being, and to discuss dietary issues. Thereafter, these participants attend fortnightly for monitoring to the end of their weight loss period of 12 weeks. This concludes their participation in the trial. 2) The second group of 30 people accepted to take part in the study are allocated to follow a very low energy diet of 3,000 kJ/d for 4 weeks using commercial meal replacements. These participants attend weekly to monitor weight change and well being, to discuss dietary issues and to receive a week's supply of meal replacements. For the first two weeks these participants consume meal replacements as prescribed by the suppliers of the meal replacements. For the next two weeks, these participants gradually phase out meal replacements and phase in meals while maintaining an energy intake of 3000 kJ/d. This group of participants then completes 8-10 weeks of weight maintenance to monitor weight stabilisation after rapid weight loss. This concludes their participantion in the trial.