Weight Loss
Conditions
Keywords
obesity, intermittent fasting, weight loss, mediterranean diet
Brief summary
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) and the Mediterranean diet (MD) on weight loss in obese adults. Methods: A total of 120 adults diagnosed with obesity were enrolled. Baseline data on physical activity and dietary intake were collected through structured interviews. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups for a 4-week intervention. The IF group followed a time-restricted eating schedule (16:8), while the MD group followed a structured plan of three main meals and three snacks daily. Both diets included a 500-calorie daily reduction from estimated energy needs. Anthropometric measurements were recorded at baseline and week 4.
Interventions
Participants follow a time-restricted eating pattern for 4 weeks, consuming all meals within an 8-hour eating window (from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM) and fasting for the remaining 16 hours each day. During the feeding window, they consume two main meals and one snack based on ad libitum intake, without specific calorie restriction. Dietary guidance is provided at the start and mid-point of the protocol by a registered dietitian.
OTHERMediterranean Diet
Participants follow a 4-week Mediterranean diet protocol that is adapted from the PREDIMED criteria and the MedDietScore index. The diet emphasizes high consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil; moderate intake of fish and poultry; and limited consumption of red meat, dairy products, and sweets. A registered dietitian provides dietary counseling sessions at the beginning and midway through the intervention.
Sponsors
Kamil Dağcılar
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² * absence of chronic diseases * no regular use of medications * non smokers * non alcohol users * not pregnant or breastfeeding * no history of bariatric surgery * no significant weight fluctuations (±5 kg) in the past 6 months * no pregnancy plans during the study period
Exclusion criteria
* BMI \< 30 kg/m² * Presence of any diagnosed chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disorders, renal or hepatic disease) * Regular use of medications that could affect metabolism, appetite, or body weight * Smoking or alcohol consumption * Pregnancy or breastfeeding during the study period * History of bariatric or other weight-related surgical procedures * Significant weight changes (gain or loss ≥5 kg) within the past 6 months * Planning pregnancy during the study period * Inability or unwillingness to comply with dietary intervention and follow-up requirements
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body weight (kg) | Baseline and Week 4 | Body weight is measured with using the TANITA BC-418 body composition analyzer. Participants are weighed barefoot, in light clothing, and measurements are recorded in kilograms. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body Mass Index (kg/m²) | Baseline and Week 4 | BMI is computed as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²) |
Other
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Free Mass (kg) | Baseline and Week 4 | Fat free mass is assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis with TANITA BC-418 |
| Total Body Water Percentage | Baseline and Week 4 | Total body water percentage is assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis with TANITA BC-418. |
| Body height (cm) | Baseline only | Height is measured once at baseline using a wall-mounted stadiometer. Participants stand barefoot, with heels together, arms at the sides, and head positioned in the Frankfurt horizontal plane. The measurement is recorded to the nearest 0.1 centimeter and converted to meters. |
| Hip Circumference (cm) | Baseline and Week 4 | Hip circumference is measured with using a non-elastic measuring tape. The measurement is taken around the widest portion of the buttocks, with the participant standing upright and feet together. |
| Waist Circumference (cm) | Baseline and Week 4 | Waist circumference is measured using a non-elastic, flexible measuring tape. The measurement is taken at the midpoint between the lower margin of the last palpable rib and the top of the iliac crest, while the participant stands upright with feet close together and breathes out normally. |
| Body Fat Percentage | Baseline and week 4 | Body fat percentage is measured at baseline and Week 4 using the TANITA BC-418 body composition analyzer |
Countries
Cyprus
Outcome results
None listed