Palatability (Energy I Pilot)

The aim of the pilot study was to test for differences in palatability ratings of the four menus that will be administered during the ENERGY I project. During the pilot study, palatability ratings were collected for each meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) from four different menus that were served to participants during the main ENERGY I trial. The menus consist of three diets that vary in dietary fat and energy density: 1) high fat/high energy density, 2) high fat/low energy density, and 3) high carbohydrate/low energy density. In addition to these three menus, the menu from the baseline period of the trial will also be tested for palatability.

Inclusion criteria

• You are between the ages of 18 and 50, inclusive, if you are a male or between the ages of 18 and 45, inclusive, if you are a female.
• your body mass index (BMI) is between 25 and 30 kg/m2, inclusive
• For females, if you have regular menstrual periods, with no less than 28 day cycles.

Exclusion criteria

• you have a chronic disease that affects body weight, appetite, or metabolism, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
• You use prescriptions or over-the-counter medications or herbal products that affect metabolism or body weight (e.g. weight loss medications such as sibutramine, or orlistat).
• You have symptoms of depression or excessive dietary restraint.
• You have an allergy to one or more of the test foods.