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Effect Of Meal Frequency On Weight Loss And Body Composition Of Obese And Overweight Women

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Overweight and Obesity
Interventions
Behavioral: 3 meals+3 snacks
Behavioral: 3 meals
Registration Number
NCT05581862
Lead Sponsor
Eastern Mediterranean University
Brief Summary

Studies showing the relationship between meal frequency, weight loss and anthropometric measurements are contradictory. This study is planned and conducted to observe the effects of meal frequency (3 meals+3 snacks vs 3 meals) on weight loss, anthropometric measurements and body composition with 3-month energy restricted Medical Nutrition Therapy program in 19-64 years old women with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2.

Detailed Description

The study was conducted with 40 female volunteers between the ages of 19-64 years, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥27. Energy restricted individualized weight loss programs were applied with different meal frequencies (3 meals+3 snacks/day vs 3 meals/day) in a 3 month follow up period. 20 participants were randomized in 3 meals+3 snacks and 20 participants were randomized in 3 meals group. Food consumption was questioned, and anthropometric measurements and body composition were measured before the study and repeated each week till the end of the study. Three day food records (2 week days and 1 weekend day) taken before the intervention were evaluated and five hundred calorie was subtracted from the average energy calculated form the food records to determine the energy of the weight loss plans . Breakfast, lunch and dinner are planned as main meals and the beverages and/or food eaten between main meals were planned as snacks (50-200 kcal). For both of the groups dietary weight loss program was planned by the same dietitian. Macronutrient composition of the weight loss plan was designed according to the recommendations of the Turkish Dietary Guidelines as 45-60 % carbohydrate, 10-20 % protein and 20-35 % fat for both of the groups.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
40
Inclusion Criteria
  • 19-64 years old Women,
  • Healthy subjects with no chronic diseases,
  • Subjects who were not taking any drug or dietary supplements,
  • Subjects who have not made any changes in their physical activity or eating habits for weight loss in the last 6 months,
  • Subjects with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria
  • Failure to meet the criteria for inclusion

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
3 Meals+3 Snacks3 meals+3 snacksThis group was followed up for 3 months with an energy restricted weight loss plan composed of 3 main meals and 3 snacks
3 Meals3 mealsThis group was followed up for 3 months with an energy restricted weight loss plan composed of 3 main meals
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Waist circumference (cm)3 months

Both of the groups had a significant change in waist circumference, but there was no difference among the groups

Change in body fat percentage (%)3 months

Both of the groups had a significant change in body fat percentage however the rate of change in body fat percentage was significantly higher in 3 meals+3snacks group

Change in total body fat (kg)3 months

Both of the groups had a significant change in total body fat however the rate of change in total body fat was significantly higher in 3 meals+3snacks group

Change in BMI (kg/m2)3 months

Both of the groups had a significant change in BMI, but there was no difference among the groups

Change in fat free mass percentage (%)3 months

Both of the groups had a significant change in fat free mass percentage, however the rate of change was significantly higher in 3 meals+3 snacks group

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Eastern Mediterranean University

🇨🇾

Famagusta, Cyprus

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