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Effects of intermittent compared to continuous energy restriction on short‐term weight loss and long‐term weight loss maintenance
Author(s) -
Keogh J. B.,
Pedersen E.,
Petersen K. S.,
Clifton P. M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
clinical obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 1758-8111
pISSN - 1758-8103
DOI - 10.1111/cob.12052
Subject(s) - medicine , weight loss , overweight , waist , dieting , body mass index , zoology , obesity , biology
Summary Effective strategies are needed to help individuals lose weight and maintain weight loss. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intermittent energy restriction ( IER ) compared to continuous energy restriction ( CER ) on weight loss after 8 weeks and weight loss maintenance after 12 months. Secondary aims were to determine changes in waist and hip measurements and diet quality. In a randomized parallel study, overweight and obese (body mass index [ BMI ] ≥ 27 kg m −2 ) women were stratified by age and BMI before randomization. Participants undertook an 8‐week intensive period with weight, waist and hip circumference measured every 2 weeks, followed by 44 weeks of independent dieting. A food frequency questionnaire was completed at baseline and 12 months, from which diet quality was determined. Weight loss was not significantly different between the two groups at 8 weeks (−3.2 ± 2.1 kg CER , n = 20, −2.0 ± 1.9 kg IER , n = 25; P = 0.06) or at 12 months (−4.2 ± 5.6 kg CER , n = 17 −2.1 ± 3.8 kg IER , n = 19; P = 0.19). Weight loss between 8 and 52 weeks was –0.7 ± 49 kg CER vs. −1 ± 1.1 kg IER ; P = 0.6. Waist and hip circumference decreased significantly with time ( P < 0.01), with no difference between groups. There was an increase in the H ealthy E ating I ndex at 12 months in the CER compared with the IER group ( CER 8.4 ± 9.1 vs. IER −0.3 ± 8.4, P = 0.006). This study indicates that intermittent dieting was as effective as continuous dieting over 8 weeks and for weight loss maintenance at 12 months. This may be useful for individuals who find CER too difficult to maintain.