The Effect of a Multi-component Weight Management Program on Appetite, Food Preference and Body Weight

The Effect of a Multi-component Weight Management Program on Appetite, Food Preference and Body Weight

The aim of the current study is to demonstrate that a commercial weight management diet (i.e. low energy density) influences satiation, hunger and satiety and leads to lower energy intake during ad-libitum meals and over a full day. We further seek to demonstrate the sustainability of this effect following 12- week weight loss on the weight management program.

• We hypothesise that formulated (low energy) meals will lead to decreased hunger, greater fullness and reduced desire to eat compared to standard meals.
• We hypothesise that the commercial weight management program will lead to greater weight loss compared to control program.
• We hypothesise that formulated meals (high consumer acceptance) will improve hedonic control over eating (lower wanting for high fat food)
• We hypothesise that the commercial weight management program will improve hedonic control over eating (reduced experience food cravings)

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI of 28 - 45 kg/m2
• Reporting an interest in weight loss, not actively participating in a commercial weight loss program,
• Not increased physical activity levels in the past 2-4 weeks
• Able to eat most everyday foods and fruits and vegetables
• Written informed consent to be given

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant health problems that could cause confounding effects between intervention and control.
• Taking any medication or supplements known to affect appetite or weight within the past month and/or during the study
• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding
• History of anaphylaxis to food
• Known food allergies or food intolerance
• Smokers and those who have recently ceased smoking
• Participants receiving systemic or local treatment likely to interfere with evaluation of the study parameters
• Those who have previously taken part in a commercial weight loss program in the last 6 months? .
• Participants who work in appetite or feeding related areas
• Participants unable to consume foods used in the study
• Participants who have had bariatric surgery
• Participants with a history of eating disorder
• Presence of untreated hypothyroidism
• Inability to fully comply with intervention or study procedures
• Insufficient English language skills to complete study questionnaires