The Comparison of the Effects between Continuous and Intermittent Energy Restriction in Short-Term Bodyweight Loss for Sedentary Population: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of continuous energy restriction (CER) and intermittent energy restriction (IER) in bodyweight loss plan in sedentary individuals with normal bodyweight and explore the influence factors of effect and individual retention. Methods: 26 participants were recruited in this randomized controlled and double-blinded trial and allocated to CER and IER groups. Bodyweight (BW), body mass index (BMI), and resting metabolic rate (RMR) would be collected before and after a 4-week (28 days) plan which included energy restriction (CER or IER) and moderate-intensity exercise. Daily intake of three major nutrients (protein, carbohydrate, fat) and calories were recorded. Results: A significant decrease in BW and BMI were reported within each group. No statistically significant difference in the change of RMR in CERG. No statistically significant difference was reported in the effect between groups, neither as well the intake of total calories, three major nutrients, and individual plan retention. The influence factors of IER and CER are different. Conclusion: Both CER and IER are effective and safe energy restriction strategies in the short term. Daily energy intake and physical exercise are important to both IER and CER.

Differential effects of intermittent energy restriction vs. continuous energy restriction combined high-intensity interval training on overweight/obese adults: A randomized controlled trial

“…In terms of time effects, a 4-week dietary restriction combined with HIIT intervention could significantly reduce in body weight, BMI, BF%, WC, and HC. This phenomenon is consistent with the results of studies outlined previously in which dietary restriction was used only for 4-week (43). The present data showed that the reduction in body weight in the iER, cER, and ND groups was 4.6, 2.5, and 1.4, respectively.…”

“…Recent systematic reviews conclude that IER tended to decrease more body weight and fat mass in comparison to CER in overweight or obese subjects ( 52 ), it is superior in terms of improving lipid metabolism, resulting in a greater loss of body fat ( 8 , 10 ). In the work of Xu et al both IER and CER interventions could resulted in the body weight and BMI to be significantly lower in sedentary individuals, but without a significant difference between groups following a 4-week intervention ( 43 ). Our findings demonstrated that under the conditions of HIIT, the iER group had a greater reduction in body weight, BMI, BF%, WC, and HC compared to the cER group, but there was no significant difference between the groups.…”