Weight Loss and Cognitive Function in Adults

Not Applicable

Completed

Interventions: Behavioral: Hypocaloric diet with hunger reduction strategy
Behavioral: Hypocaloric diet without hunger reduction strategy

Brief Summary: More than two-thirds of middle-aged and older adults are overweight, which places them at greater risk of disability and higher medical expenses. Lifestyle interventions which promote weight loss for this population are needed. However, it is not known how different weight loss approaches impact brain (cognitive) functions, such as memory and attention. The investigator's investigation aims to improve adherence to a hypocaloric diet prescription through improved attention and inhibitory control, reduced hunger, and increased satiety.

The objectives of this pilot study are to: 1) determine the feasibility and establish proof-of-concept; 2) establish proficiency and feasibility of the proposed cognitive function assessments; and 3) obtain preliminary data for effect size generation.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Exclusion Criteria

Uncontrolled hypertension
Orthopedic injury
Other conditions that preclude participation in a walking program
Previous participation in psychology research which involved computerized cognitive testing
Diabetes which requires insulin

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Hypocaloric diet with hunger reduction strategy	Hypocaloric diet with hunger reduction strategy	Participants will be prescribed a hypocaloric diet with additional instructions to promote hunger reduction. The hypocaloric diet will range 1200-1500 kcal/d, and will be based upon the 2015 US Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Dietary instructions will be provided by a Registered Dietitian.
Hypocaloric diet without hunger reduction strategy	Hypocaloric diet without hunger reduction strategy	Participants will only be prescribed a hypocaloric diet. The hypocaloric diet will range 1200-1500 kcal/d, and will be based upon the 2015 US Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Dietary instructions will be provided by a Registered Dietitian.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Cognitive function changes - attention	30-min measurement per session	Computerized tasks will score each participant's performance for attention at baseline and after both the 4-week weight loss and weight maintenance phases.
Cognitive function changes - inhibitory control	30-min measurement per session	Computerized tasks will score each participant's performance for inhibitory control at baseline and after both the 4-week weight loss and weight maintenance phases.
Weight change	5-min measurement per session	Weight will be measured on a scale at baseline and after both the 4-week weight loss and weight maintenance phases.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Perceived hunger	15-minute measurement per session	The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) survey will be used to measure hunger at baseline and after both the 4-week weight loss and weight maintenance phases. Participants make a mark on a 100 mm line that corresponds to their subjective feelings (range of score is 0-100). The line is anchored by descriptors that are polar opposites (not at all hungry to extremely hungry). The score is determined by using the place on the line where the mark is made by the participants.

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