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Long-term Weight Loss Study

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effect of weight loss from nutrient-dense, portion-controlled meals and snacks. The study was a prospective, single armed, lasting three months. All participants gave informed consent. For the first 3 weeks, the subjects (n=131) consumed three nutrient-dense meals and two nutrient-dense snacks, plus water. For the remaining 9 weeks, subjects (n=89) consumed 2 meals and 2 snacks.

Participants paid for the food upfront, and were rebated a portion, if they completed the data collection forms. Self-reported data included: anthropometric data, compliance with food intake, exercise, and on a scale of one to five assessments was made of: mood, sleep, hunger, tiredness, and gastrointestinal issues.

Long-Term Weight Loss Study

Results


The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effect of weight loss from nutrient-dense, portion-controlled meals and snacks. The study was a prospective, single armed, lasting three months. All participants gave informed consent. For the first 3 weeks, the subjects (n=131) consumed three nutrient-dense meals and two nutrient-dense snacks, plus water. For the remaining 9 weeks, subjects (n=89) consumed 2 meals and 2 snacks.

Participants paid for the food upfront, and were rebated a portion, if they completed the data collection forms. Self-reported data included: anthropometric data, compliance with food intake, exercise, and on a scale of one to five assessments was made of: mood, sleep, hunger, tiredness, and gastrointestinal issues.

Results
Subjects lost 7.5 ± 5.1 kg over three months, which were 7.5± 3.7% body weight losses. Women reduced waist circumference by 11 ± 7 cm and men by 12 ± 11 cm. Based on changes in waist circumference, one-third were no longer at risk of disease at the end of the study. Using the self-reported scale with 5 being the best, the participants had at least a score of 4 or higher for each question.


Conclusion
Nutrient-dense, portion-controlled meals and snacks promoted weight loss, reductions in waist circumference, and did so with good compliance and without hunger. These benefits were likely a result of providing essential nutrients in portion-controlled foods.

Bell S, Ling P, Marsland C. Nutrient-Dense, Portion-Controlled Meals and Snacks Promote Weight LossJ Food TechnolNutrSci 2: 006.

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