Bright Light Therapy for Weight Loss

The study is aimed to check a preliminary evidence that bright light may help to lose weight in obese people (Thor Helge Bergan, Norvay, 2002, unpublished). Subjects: aged 20-65 y, BMI > 30, non-seasonal (SPAQ score <8, no seasonal problem), in good general health, with regular sleep from 22:00-1:00 to 6:00-9:00. Study season: November-April. Placebo-controlled, single-blind, crossover. At least 1 mo between two arms; at similar phase of menstrual cycle (if present). If could not complete at the first year, the second arm is to be done the next winter. Intervention: Lightbox (4300 lux) - during one arm, deactivated ioniser - during another arm (sequential alternation upon entering the study) for 3 weeks each morning (at least 18 days) starting between 6:00-9:00. Seating distance (from the face to the device) is 41 cm, duration - 30 min. Diet: a target amount of kcal per day is calculated based on age, weight and gender (WHO), e.g. for a woman 40 y ang 80 kg it is 1502 kcal per day. Food content - is also as recommended by WHO. Food distribution over day - usual for the particular test subject but constant over sessions. Food diary is completed daily and subjects calculate kcal themselves based on a Table of kcal. Outcomes: Weight is measured during a visit to doctor a day before and day after the 3-week session, and also at home every week. Motivation and Expectation are rated by 3-point scales in a Diary, at the beginning of each session. Mood, activity and appetite are self-estimated using a VAS-like 10-points scale every week. At the end of each arm the "Easiness of dieting" scale and Adverse event(s) are completed. In the diary, there are also columns for sleep on and off times, intervention time, duration and distance, number of kcal. A target number of subjects to complete the study is 40.

Inclusion criteria

• age 20-65 y
• BMI > 30
• non-seasonal (SPAQ score <8, no seasonal problem)
• good general health; if there is a serious chronic disease - then compensated, with a constant dose of medication(s)
• regular sleep from 22:00-1:00 to 6:00-9:00
• a wish to participate and complete the study

Exclusion criteria

• any acute disease during the past month
• transmeridian travel >3 time zones over the past month
• a use of medication(s) which influence body weight - during the last 2 months