Effects of Intermittent Versus Continuous Energy Restriction on Metabolic Adaptation in Women With Obesity

"Both groups will be accompanied by a registered dietitian in order to provide an individual and personalized diet plan that will suppress the respective daily requirements for each phase. Macronutrient distribution will be the following: 35% protein, 35% carbohydrate and 30% fat.~Daily energy requirements (DER) will be calculated by multiplying measured RMR (through indirect calorimetry) by physical activity level (PAL), assessed by accelerometry.~In order to achieve a neutral EB, 100% of their daily energy requirements (DER) will be prescribed for each participant. For both groups, an energy restriction of 33% of one's DER will be created. The IER group will alternate between 2-weeks in energy restriction (67% DER) and 1-week in neutral EB (100% DER), in a total of 23-weeks.~The IER group will alternate between 2-weeks in energy restriction (67% DER) and 1-week in neutral EB (100% DER), in a total of 23-weeks."

A dietary plan comprising 67% of DER will be prescribed to the CER group. Participants will be asked to follow this plan in a total of 16-weeks, without interruptions.