NCT00944099

Lifestyle, Eating, and Activity Patterns

Eating Frequency Prescription for a Behavioral Weigh Loss Intervention

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (actual)
• Sponsor: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 21 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this research is to test the effect of manipulating eating frequency on hunger and the reinforcing value of food in 50 overweight/obese adults participating in a 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention.

Detailed description

Previous observational and experimental research suggests that increased eating frequency is related to lower weight, body mass index (BMI)and body fatness. It is proposed that eating frequently during the day reduces overall energy consumed by preventing the development of excessive hunger. As elevated hunger increases the reinforcing value of food, and greater intake occurs when the reinforcing value of food increases, eating frequently during the day may be a dietary strategy that can aid with reducing energy intake and improving weight loss during a behavioral weight control program. Therefore, the purpose of this proposed research is to test the effect of manipulating eating frequency on hunger and the reinforcing value of food in 50 overweight/obese adults participating in a 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants will be randomized to 1 of 2 conditions: 1) a condition in which participants will be given an eating frequency prescription to eat every 2 to 3 hours (Grazing); or 2) a condition in which participants will be given an eating frequency prescription of eating 3 meals per day (Three Meals). Both conditions will receive an identical dietary prescription, a low-calorie (1200 to 1500 kcals/d), low-fat (≤ 30% kcals from fat) diet and an identical physical activity goal of 200 minutes of moderate-intense physical activity per week. Additionally, both conditions will receive an identical state-of-the-art, 6-month, behavioral weight loss program.

Conditions

• Overweight
• Obesity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Behavioral weight loss intervention	both conditions will receive an identical dietary prescription, low-calorie and less than 30% calories from fat and an identical physical activity goal of 200 minutes of moderate-intense physical activity per week during a 6 month behavioral weight loss program

Timeline

• Start date: 2010-01-01
• Primary completion: 2011-12-01
• Completion: 2011-12-01
• First posted: 2009-07-23
• Last updated: 2018-04-05

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States