Weight and body composition changes over 2 years in those who undertook a 6-month snacking, meals or grazing intervention

Abstract

Eating frequency (EF) studies rarely follow up over the longer term. The longest EF post-intervention follow up period in adults published internationally is 3 months. It is important to determine the longer-term effects of manipulating EF in adults trying to lose weight.179 (129F, 50M) obese adults were randomly assigned to either 3 meals (3m) (n=59), 3 meals and 3 snacks (3m3s) (n=59) or 6 meals (6m) (n=61) for 6 months on standardised energy reduction diets of 5-7.5MJ (15%Pᵥ, 30%Fᵥ, 50%CHOᵥ). Weight and body composition were measured at baseline, 12 and 24 months using Tanita TBF-300GS bioimpedance scale. Intention-to-treat using last outcome carried forward General Linear Model repeated measures analysis was conducted. Mean (kg) (ᓄ) baseline weight, fat mass and lean body mass was 94.4ᱳ.9, 37.4ᷮ5 and 57.6ᱱ.3 respectively. Sample size at 12 and 24 months in each group was: 3m: 28, 16; 3m3s: 40, 20; 6m: 34, 22, respectively. There were no differences between or within the groups over time for: percentage change in weight (3m:-4%ᱠ(se), 3m3s:-3%ᱬ 6m:-4%ᱩ (meanᓅ) and fat mass over 2 years (p>0.05); but 3m3s group had ~1.5% greater percentage increase in lean body mass over 12 to 24 months (F=4.1, p=0.018). Completer's analysis generally showed similar findings. Results suggest that there is little longer-term effect on weight and body composition by altering EF during weight loss. Chronic diseases that require longer-term management, such as obesity, may not be influenced by alterations to EF. Funding: Australian Postgraduate Award and William Arnott Scholarship