Eating Frequency for Weight Loss

(HEP Trial)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Must not be taking: Weight loss medication

Disqualifiers: Heart condition, Diabetes, Bariatric surgery, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

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

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are taking weight loss medication, you would not be eligible to participate.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Eating Frequency for weight loss?

Research suggests that increasing eating frequency might not significantly help with weight loss, as studies show no major changes in body weight when people change how often they eat. Some studies even suggest that eating more frequently could lead to a higher energy intake, which might not be helpful for losing weight. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is eating frequency generally safe for humans?

The safety of eating frequency for weight loss is not clearly established, but studies suggest it may affect body weight and health. There are no specific safety concerns mentioned, but more long-term research is needed to understand its effects. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

How does the treatment of eating frequency differ from other weight loss treatments?

Eating frequency as a treatment for weight loss is unique because it focuses on the timing and number of meals rather than the specific content of the diet. This approach aims to increase metabolism, reduce hunger, and improve glucose and insulin control by adjusting how often you eat, which is different from traditional calorie-restriction diets. ^{1 2 8 9 10}

Research Team

Hollie A Raynor, PhD, RD

Principal Investigator

University of Tennessee

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy adults aged 18 to 65 who are overweight or obese, with a BMI between 27 and 45. It's not suitable for those outside this age range or BMI criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

I am overweight or obese but otherwise healthy.

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

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants follow a lifestyle intervention with either three meals per day or increased eating frequency for 8 weeks

8 weeks

Regular check-ins (frequency not specified)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Eating Frequency

Trial Overview The study is examining how often people eat during a lifestyle intervention aimed at weight loss. The goal is to understand the link between meal frequency and the effectiveness of losing weight.

Participant Groups

Group I: Three Meal Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this condition will be instructed to limit their number of eating frequency to three meals per day.

Group II: Grazing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in the increased eating frequency condition will be instructed to eat \> 100 kcals every 2-3 hours.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Lead Sponsor

Trials

93

Recruited

19,500+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Meal Frequency on Anthropometric Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. [2023]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of eating frequency on appetite control and food intake: brief synopsis of controlled feeding studies. [2023]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eating frequency and energy regulation in free-living adults consuming self-selected diets. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Eating frequency predicts changes in regional body fat distribution in healthy adults. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence for efficacy and effectiveness of changes in eating frequency for body weight management. [2023]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Calorie Restriction with or without Time-Restricted Eating in Weight Loss. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effects of eating frequency on changes in body composition and cardiometabolic health in adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized trials. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

More Frequent Intake of Regular Meals and Less Frequent Snacking Are Weakly Associated with Lower Long-Term Gains in Body Mass Index and Fat Mass in Middle-Aged Men and Women. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of manipulating eating frequency during a behavioral weight loss intervention: a pilot randomized controlled trial. [2012]

10. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effects of 6 Isocaloric Meals on Body Weight, Lipid Profiles, Leptin, and Adiponectin in Overweight Subjects (BMI > 25). [2021]