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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07066618

Effects of Meal Energy Density on Body Measures and Metabolism in Women

This study investigates whether the timing of energy intake during the day-specifically consuming more calories at breakfast or at dinner-affects body measurements, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and feelings of hunger in women who are overweight or obese.

A total of 28 women participated in the study and were randomly assigned to one of two diet plans: one group consumed half of their daily calories at breakfast, while the other consumed them at dinner. Both groups followed a calorie-restricted diet for six weeks.

The goal of this research is to understand whether eating more in the morning rather than in the evening leads to better outcomes for weight control and metabolic health. Findings from this study may help health professionals make more effective meal timing recommendations for weight loss and improving blood sugar regulation.

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Key information

Conditions

Obesity Appetite Regulation Body Weight Circadian Rhythm Meal Timing Metabolic Health Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Exercise and Sports Sciences Education, Application and Research Centre

Sakarya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Women aged 20-45
  • BMI ≥25 kg/m²
  • Regular menstrual cycle
  • No chronic disease or medication use
  • PSQI ≤5 (Good sleep quality)

Exclusion criteria

  • Pregnancy or lactation
  • Gastrointestinal or metabolic disorders
  • Shift workers, sleep disorders
  • Medication affecting metabolism
  • Weight change >4.5 kg in last 6 months

Treatment and study plan

Breakfast-Loaded Hypocaloric Diet

Behavioral

Participants in this group consumed a hypocaloric diet in which 50% of daily energy intake was provided at breakfast, 35% at lunch, and 15% at dinner. Meal times were standardized as follows: breakfast (7:00-9:00), lunch (12:00-14:00), and dinner (18:00-20:00). The diet was individually tailored and provided 20% fewer calories than the participants' total energy expenditure. Macronutrient distribution followed recommended guidelines: 45-60% carbohydrates, 10-20% protein, and 20-35% fat.

Dinner-Loaded Hypocaloric Diet

Behavioral

Participants in this group consumed a hypocaloric diet in which 15% of daily energy intake was provided at breakfast, 35% at lunch, and 50% at dinner. Meal times were standardized as follows: breakfast (7:00-9:00), lunch (12:00-14:00), and dinner (18:00-20:00). The diet was individually tailored and provided 20% fewer calories than the participants' total energy expenditure. Macronutrient distribution followed recommended guidelines: 45-60% carbohydrates, 10-20% protein, and 20-35% fat.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in fasting blood glucose

    Time frame: Baseline to Week 6

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in hip circumference

    Time frame: Baseline to Week 6

  2. Change in HDL cholesterol

    Time frame: Baseline to Week 6

  3. Change in HbA1c

    Time frame: Baseline to Week 6

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Melike Nur Eroğlu

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Meal Energy Density on Anthropometric Measurements, Some Metabolic Parameters, And Subjective Appetite in Women

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Jul 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 15, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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