Lifestyle, Eating, and Activity Patterns

Previous observational and experimental research suggests that increased eating frequency is related to lower weight, body mass index (BMI)and body fatness. It is proposed that eating frequently during the day reduces overall energy consumed by preventing the development of excessive hunger. As elevated hunger increases the reinforcing value of food, and greater intake occurs when the reinforcing value of food increases, eating frequently during the day may be a dietary strategy that can aid with reducing energy intake and improving weight loss during a behavioral weight control program. Therefore, the purpose of this proposed research is to test the effect of manipulating eating frequency on hunger and the reinforcing value of food in 50 overweight/obese adults participating in a 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants will be randomized to 1 of 2 conditions: 1) a condition in which participants will be given an eating frequency prescription to eat every 2 to 3 hours (Grazing); or 2) a condition in which participants will be given an eating frequency prescription of eating 3 meals per day (Three Meals). Both conditions will receive an identical dietary prescription, a low-calorie (1200 to 1500 kcals/d), low-fat (≤ 30% kcals from fat) diet and an identical physical activity goal of 200 minutes of moderate-intense physical activity per week. Additionally, both conditions will receive an identical state-of-the-art, 6-month, behavioral weight loss program.

Inclusion criteria

• body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 45 kg/m2

Exclusion criteria

• report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of consciousness
• report being unable to walk 1/4 mile without stopping
• report major psychological disease or organic brain syndromes
• report a diagnosis of type I or type II diabetes
• are currently participating in a weight loss program, are taking weight loss medication, have had surgery for weight loss, or have lost > 5% of their body weight in the past 6 months
• are currently participating in a program that manipulates their eating habits
• intent to move outside of the East Tennessee area within the time frame of the intervention
• are pregnant, lactating, less than 6 months post-partum, or plan to become pregnant during the time frame of the intervention
• are unwilling to attend group intervention meetings, assessments, or complete a food diary for the duration of the study