Continuous vs. intermittent energy restriction and weight loss v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The comparative effects of continuous versus intermittent energy restriction on changes in weight, anthropometry and other cardio-metabolic disease risk markers in a selected cohort of Rotherham Institute for Obesity (RIO) weight loss patients
IRAS ID
139962
Contact name
Matthew Capehorn
Contact email
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN31465600
Research summary
Obesity and its associated health and financial costs is now a major problem facing the NHS. Weight loss through continuous energy restriction (CER) (i.e.dieting) can be difficult to adhere to, with most individuals regaining all that they’ve lost within two years. However, more recently the idea of intermittent energy restriction (IER) has become of considerable interest to health professionals, researchers and the general public as this approach involves just short spells (24 hours) of large energy restrictions (e.g. 75% reduction in energy intakes) alternated with days of habitual energy intake. For some, an approach such as IER may be considered easier to follow both for weight loss and long term maintenance although evidence in this area is currently very limited.
This study, funded by LighterLife UK Ltd, will be conducted at the Rotherham Institute of Obesity (RIO). The inclusion criteria for potential participants is that they must be registered RIO patients, with a BMI>30 and they must be motivated to lose weight. The study intervention period will be six months and participants will be randomised to either the CER group where they will be instructed to consume a healthy diet with a daily deficit of approximately 500kcal for the duration of the study or the IER group where they will be instructed to follow a weekly regime consisting of 5 days healthy eating (commensurate with energy balance) and 2 days of fasting. Fasting days will entail consuming 4 Lighterlife Foodpacks, specially formulated to provide a total of 600kcal as well as 100% of the RDA of vitamins and minerals and appropriate levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates and fibre. Changes in body weight, anthropometry and various metabolites, as well as adherence to the weight loss plans will be assessed at regular intervals in order to compare the effectiveness of IER versus CER.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/0018
Date of REC Opinion
12 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion