Effects of high meal frequency on body weight loss, appetite regulation and PYY levels

Abstract

Whether increasing meal frequency leads to greater body weight loss, better appetite control and higher levels of PYY remains to be determined. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of high MF (HMF) on body weight loss, appetite and PYY in healthy obese men and women. Sixteen obese individuals were randomized to an 8-week equicaloric energy restriction (-700 kcal/day) that either consisted of HMF (3 meals/day and 3 snacks/day; age= 34.63+/-9.50 y and BMI=37.1+/-4.6 kg/m 2) or low MF (LMF) (3 meals/day; age=36.3+/-7.4 y and BMI=34.8+/-4.0 kg/m2). Baseline energy needs were determined with indirect calorimetry. Appetite (VAS) and body composition (DEXA) were assessed before and after weight loss. Body weight was significantly decreased in both groups (p<0.001), but no significant difference was found between conditions (p>0.05). Significant higher levels of fullness at time 120min and at time 300min was noted for the LMF group (p< .05). PYY levels were comparable across conditions and remained unchanged over the intervention. These findings suggest that increasing MF under conditions of equicaloric energy restriction does not increase weight loss. Further, no favorable effects of increased MF on appetite and on PYY levels were noted.