Is two days of intermittent fasting per week a feasible weight loss approach in obese male war veterans? A pilot study.

Intermittent Fasting Group Participants will be asked to follow a diet containing only 500kcal for two non-consecutive days per week and eat normally (unrestricted but encouraged to follow healthy eating guidelines) on the other five days for 6 months. Participants will be taught how to count calories and recieve dietary advice regarding healthy eating and food portions (as per Australian Guide to Healthy Guidelines). A calorie counting book will be provided. They will receive regular dietetic review and monitoring during the first 3 months (baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks) and minimal contact during the remaining 3 months. The initial session with the dietitian at baseline will be 45 minutes in duration and all subsequent reviews will be 30 minutes in duration. Participants will have biochemical markers (fasting lipids and fasting glucose), biological impedence (to estimate percentage body fat), waist circumference and blood pressure taken at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. They will also complete a food frequency questionnaire and a validated quality of life questionnaire (AQoL 8D scale) at these times. Participants will have weight monitored and will be questioned about their compliance with the diet at all reviews (baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months). In order to promote compliance, participants will be provided with sample recipes and will be able to contact the study dietitian during business hours for further clarification or dietary advice.