Continuous vs. intermittent energy restriction and weight loss

ISRCTN ISRCTN31465600
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN31465600
Secondary identifying numbers Rotherham Institute for Obesity (RIO)/Lighterlife Fast
Submission date
09/10/2013
Registration date
07/01/2014
Last edited
14/10/2019
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
An intermittent energy restriction (IER) approach to weight loss is easier for some people to follow as it involves short spells of severe energy restriction alternated with days of usual energy intake. However, there is currently not enough evidence regarding the potential effectiveness and benefits of IER compared with other food-based weight loss methods. We aim to compare the effectiveness of IER with continuous energy restriction (CER) on weight loss, blood glucose levels and markers of CVD risk in a selected group of NHS Rotherham Institute of Obesity (RIO) weight loss patients.

Who can participate?
Obese male and female patients, aged 18-65, attending a weight loss programme at the Rotherham Institute of Obesity are eligible to participate in this study.

What does the study involve?
The study will involve participating in a six-month weight loss programme. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the IER or the CER programme. The IER programme will be given in the form of the LighterLife Fast plan, which advocates 5 days unrestricted healthy eating and 2 days fasting, which consists of 4 fast LighterLife Foodpacks providing about 600 kcal each day. This will be compared with the CER programme, whereby patients will be instructed to consume a healthy diet with a daily deficit of about 500 kcal. Weight loss, changes in waist circumference as well as changes in blood glucose, fasting glucose and insulin, full lipids and inflammatory markers will be assessed. We will also assess changes in blood flow and blood pressure as well as dietary adherence using food diaries.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Patients will lose weight and may see improvements in other diseases associated with being obese. The study will contribute to a greater understanding and depth of knowledge about how well the different weight loss methods work and may provide the patient with a more acceptable way to lose and manage their weight. There are no foreseen disadvantages or risks of taking part.

Where is the study run from?
Rotherham Institute of Obesity, Rotherham, UK.

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study is expected to start in early February 2014 and will run for 6 months.

Who is funding the study?
Lighterlife UK Ltd, UK.

Who is the main contact?
Dr Kelly Johnston
01279 636998
Kelly.Johnston@lighterlife.com

Contact information

Dr Matthew Capehorn
Scientific

Rotherham Institute for Obesity (RIO)
Clifton Medical Centre
The Health Village
Doncaster Gate
Rotherham
S65 1DA
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)844 477 3622
Email mcapehorn@yahoo.co.uk

Study information

Study designRandomised non-blinded single-centre study
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Other
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleThe comparative effects of continuous versus intermittent energy restriction (CER and IER respectively) on changes in weight, anthropometry and other cardio-metabolic disease risk markers in a selected cohort of RIO weight loss patients
Study objectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the feasibility and efficacy of IER with CER on a range of outcomes measures including weight loss & anthropometry, measures of glycaemic control and appetite, and other biochemical markers of CVD risk..
Ethics approval(s)South Yorkshire NHS Ethics Committee, ref: 14-YH-0018
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedWeight loss in obese individuals
InterventionRandomised comparison using 200 overweight or obese, male and female participants (100 randomised to each group).

The IER leg of this study will be delivered in the form of the Lighterlife Fast 5:2 diet, which advocates 5 days healthy eating (consuming energy levels commensurate with weight maintenance) and 2 days fasting, which advises consumption of 4 fast Lighterlife Fast foodpacks providing 600 kcal on those two days. This will be compared with the CER leg of the study, whereby patients will be instructed to consume a healthy diet with a daily deficit of approximately 500 kcal.

The total duration of the intervention is 26 weeks. Participants on this trial remain patients of RIO and as such will be followed up regularly thereafter, but data will not be collected for this study.

Updated 16/04/2014:
Participants return at 12 months for the following measurements:
1. Weight
2. Height
3. BMI
4. Waist circumference
5. Hip circumference
6. Chest circumference
7. Blood pressure
8. Bio-impedance
9. Report on co-morbidities
10. Current medication
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measure1. Weight
2. Waist circumference
Secondary outcome measures1. Fasting glucose, lipids and insulin
2. Liver function tests (LFTs), thyroid function tests (TFTs), Hba1c, adiponectin, leptin, C-reactive protein and IGF-1
3. Bio-impedance and blood pressure as well as dietary adherence using validated food diaries
Overall study start date01/02/2014
Completion date31/08/2014

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit65 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants200
Total final enrolment197
Key inclusion criteria1. Healthy males and females, aged 18-65
2. Body mass index (BMI) > 30
Key exclusion criteriaThose who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Date of first enrolment01/02/2014
Date of final enrolment31/08/2014

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Rotherham Institute for Obesity (RIO)
Rotherham
S65 1DA
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

Lighterlife UK Ltd (UK)
Industry

Cavendish House
Parkway
Harlow Business Park
Harlow
CM19 5QF
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)127 963 6955
Email kelly.johnston@lighterlife.com
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/00drp2z27

Funders

Funder type

Industry

Lighterlife (UK)
Private sector organisation / For-profit companies (industry)
Location
United Kingdom

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article results 01/09/2020 14/10/2019 Yes No

Editorial Notes

14/10/2019: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. Publication reference added.
2. The total final enrolment was added.
07/03/2017: No publications found in PubMed, verifying study status with principal investigator