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

Effect Of Meal Frequency On Weight Loss And Body Composition Of Obese And Overweight Women Having Medical Nutrition Therapy

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.

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.

This group was followed up for 3 months with an energy restricted weight loss plan composed of 3 main meals and 3 snacks

This group was followed up for 3 months with an energy restricted weight loss plan composed of 3 main meals

All of the 20 subjects consumed an energy restricted weight loos plan with 3 main meals and 3 snacks for 3 months

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

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

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

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

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