NCT06079658

The Effects of Continuous vs. Intermittent Caloric Restriction on Fat Los

The Effects of Continuous vs. Intermittent Caloric Restriction on Fat Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (actual)
• Sponsor: Coastal Carolina University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The purpose of this research study examines fat mass loss using a continuous calorie reduction protocol versus continuous caloric restriction interspersed with "diet refeeds" and "diet breaks" over 12 weeks.

Detailed description

In order to lose weight, an individual must sustain an energy deficit (whereby caloric intake is significantly lower than expenditure) over time. However, a rich base of evidence suggests that weight loss often results in a decreased metabolic rate. This decrease, likely the result of a number of physiological and behavioral mechanisms, makes the continuation of weight loss more difficult as well as increases the likelihood of weight regain, or the "rebound" effect (1, 2). One proposed method of promoting the retention of a higher metabolic rate through a period of caloric restriction, and therefore preventing the regain of excess weight after energy restriction is discontinued, is the use of intermittent rather than continuous caloric restriction. Intermittent energy restriction (IER) involves undulating one's energy intake throughout a dieting period as opposed to sustaining a continuous energy deficit. Research in overweight and obese individuals has shown that periods of moderate caloric restriction interspersed with periods of consuming a diet in balance with one's daily energy needs (caloric maintenance) is at least comparable to continuous energy restriction in terms of weight and fat loss outcomes (3) and may even bestow unique benefits by promoting greater retention of fat-free mass and a higher metabolic rate (4). However, to date, no published research has examined continuous caloric restriction compared to Intermittent energy restriction (diet breaks and diet refeeds) in females only with Obesity.

Conditions

• Obesity

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Continuous Caloric Restriction versus Intermittent Caloric Restriction on Fat Loss	This intervention seeks to investigate two different caloric restriction protocol on fat mass.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-10-01
• Primary completion: 2023-08-15
• Completion: 2023-08-15
• First posted: 2023-10-12
• Last updated: 2023-10-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States