Lifestyle, Eating, and Activity Patterns (LEAP)

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Status

Completed

Conditions

Overweight

Obesity

Treatments

Behavioral: Behavioral weight loss intervention

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT00944099

AHA 09PRE2020150

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment

50 patients

Sex

All

Ages

21 to 65 years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 45 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness
report being unable to walk 1/4 mile without stopping
report major psychological disease or organic brain syndromes
report a diagnosis of type I or type II diabetes
are currently participating in a weight loss program, are taking weight loss medication, have had surgery for weight loss, or have lost > 5% of their body weight in the past 6 months
are currently participating in a program that manipulates their eating habits
intent to move outside of the East Tennessee area within the time frame of the intervention
are pregnant, lactating, less than 6 months post-partum, or plan to become pregnant during the time frame of the intervention
are unwilling to attend group intervention meetings, assessments, or complete a food diary for the duration of the study