Obesity, Weight Loss
Conditions
Keywords
eating frequency
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to address the gap in knowledge regarding the relationship between eating frequency and weight loss.
Detailed description
Little intervention research has been conducted to examine the influence of eating frequency (EF) on weight loss. It has been hypothesized an increased EF improves appetite control, assisting with better regulation of energy intake, thus decreasing body mass index. Unfortunately, outcomes have not shown greater appetite control with increased EF. Instead, trends favor a lower EF reducing energy intake thereby producing greater weight loss than a higher eating frequency. Thus, a lower eating frequency may lower energy intake via behavioral mechanisms. At thit time no research has examined the behavioral mechanisms that may mediate the relationship between a lower eating frequency and superior adherence to an energy-restricted diet.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALEating Frequency
Thirty adults will be provided an 8-week standard lifestyle intervention, that includes a 1200-1500 kcal/day, \< 30% energy from fat dietary prescription, and a physical activity goal of 200 minutes/week. Participants will be randomized to one of two conditions differing in EF using a prescription we have tested previously. One condition will limit the number of eating bouts/day to three (Three Meal), while the second condition will consume at least 100 kcal every 2 to 3 hours which should lead to approximately 6 eating bouts/day (Grazing).
Sponsors
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* age between 18 and 65 years * healthy overweight and obese men and women * body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 45 kg/m squared
Exclusion criteria
* report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR- Q) * report being unable to walk for 2 blocks (1/4 mile) without stopping * are currently participating in a weight loss program and/or taking weight loss medication or lost \> 5% of body weight during the past 6 months * diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes * have had bariatric surgery or are planning to have bariatric surgery in the next 4 months * intend to move outside of the metropolitan area within the time frame of the investigation * are pregnant, lactating, \< 6 months post-partum, or plan to become pregnant during the investigation
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | 0 and 8 weeks | Diet (eating frequency, kilocalories, macronutrients) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) | 0 and 8 weeks | To evaluate the behavioral mechanisms of eating frequency, PalmPilot-based EMA will be used to collect real-time information on consumption cues. |
| Anthropometrics | 0 and 8 weeks | Height (0 weeks only), weight and body mass index |
| Binge Eating | 0 and 8 weeks | Assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), which is a 36-item questionnaire derived from the Eating Disorders Examination interview. |
| Physical Activity | 0 and 8 weeks | Self-reported physical activity will be assessed using the Paffenbarger Activity Questionnaire. |
Countries
United States
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORHollie A Raynor, PhD, RD
University of Tennessee
Outcome results
None listed