Healthy Eating Patterns During a Lifestyle Intervention

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to address the gap in knowledge regarding the relationship between eating frequency and weight loss.

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Healthy Eating Patterns During a Lifestyle Intervention

Conditions
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Obesity, Weight Loss

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Eating Frequency


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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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

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Three Meal<br>Participants in this condition will be instructed to limit their number of eating frequency to three meals per day. | Behavioral: Eating Frequency<br>* 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).<br>|
| Experimental: Grazing<br>Participants in the increased eating frequency condition will be instructed to eat > 100 kcals every 2-3 hours. | Behavioral: Eating Frequency<br>* 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).<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Diet | Diet (eating frequency, kilocalories, macronutrients) | 0 and 8 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) | To evaluate the behavioral mechanisms of eating frequency, PalmPilot-based EMA will be used to collect real-time information on consumption cues. | 0 and 8 weeks | 
| Anthropometrics | Height (0 weeks only), weight and body mass index | 0 and 8 weeks | 
| Binge Eating | Assessed by the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), which is a 36-item questionnaire derived from the Eating Disorders Examination interview. | 0 and 8 weeks | 
| Physical Activity | Self-reported physical activity will be assessed using the Paffenbarger Activity Questionnaire. | 0 and 8 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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eating frequency