Continuous vs. intermittent energy restriction and weight loss
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN31465600 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN31465600 |
| Protocol serial number | Rotherham Institute for Obesity (RIO)/Lighterlife Fast |
| Sponsor | Lighterlife UK Ltd (UK) |
| Funder | Lighterlife (UK) |
- 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
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
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 |
|---|---|
| mcapehorn@yahoo.co.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomised non-blinded single-centre study |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | The 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 objectives | The 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) studied | Weight loss in obese individuals |
| Intervention | Randomised 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 type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
1. Weight |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Fasting glucose, lipids and insulin |
| Completion date | 31/08/2014 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 200 |
| Total final enrolment | 197 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Healthy males and females, aged 18-65 2. Body mass index (BMI) > 30 |
| Key exclusion criteria | Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/02/2014 |
| Date of final enrolment | 31/08/2014 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
S65 1DA
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not 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 |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
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
