Weight Loss and Hunger

What this study is about

Weight loss is difficult and weight maintenance even worse. The principles of dieting dictate that to maintain weight loss, one has to eat less calories than they did before the diet. However, there is evidence to show that it may be the diet per se and not the weight loss that makes people more hungry and vulnerable to weight regain. This study will explore whether appetite control can be restored to normal levels through an individually tailored increase in calories after weight loss. If supported, the findings from this study could alter the way we view dieting.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• 18-55 years of age;
• non-smoking;
• obese class I-II (30 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 40 kg/m2);
• weight stable (± 2 kg during the 6 months prior to enrollment);
• Sedentary (<2 times/week of 30 min of continuous exercise) In addition, Females will be included if:
• premenopausal (2 menses in the 3 months preceding testing, no increase in cycle irregularity in the 12 months preceding testing).

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• have a current diagnosis of an axis 1 psychiatric disorder (i.e. mood, anxiety and eating disorders);
• currently use antidepressants, thyroid medication, or any medication that could affect appetite;
• have a history of cardiac problems or symptoms suggestive of any cardiac condition;
• have a current diagnosis or history of diabetes, confirmed by a measure of HbA1c during the screening visit;
• have alcohol intake that exceeds recommendations or alcoholism, or current addictions to opiates, cocaine or stimulants;
• currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pressor agents, warfarin, anticonvulsants, phenylbutazone, or tricyclic antidepressants;
• have uncontrolled thyroid disease;
• have any osteoarticular condition, or other reasons that would prevent them from achieving the proposed walking targets. In addition, Females will be excluded if they:
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant over the course of the study;
• are peri- or post-menopausal or have had surgically induced menopause.

Where this trial is running

• University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Eric Doucet, PhD · ‭613-562-5800‬ · edoucet@uOttawa.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07739095.