Scientists from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute will investigate whether eating two or five meals within the same time frame has an impact on appetite control and obesity in women.
The research team are looking for members of the public - male and female - to help them carry out the research by volunteering to take part in the diet study.
Volunteers will receive two different diets – one of two meals a day and then a second featuring five meals, with all meals provided by the Rowett Institute.
Participants will eat between 7am and 5pm, fasting the rest of the time.
Professor Alex Johnstone, who is leading this project said: “This is going to be a really interesting study and could allow us to determine if there is a clear benefit to eating 'little and often’ as opposed to having two larger meals, when trying to lose weight. We know that time-restricted eating is of interest as a way to control appetite, and this work will focus on calorie distribution throughout the day.
"Volunteers need to be aged 18 to 65 and have a BMI of more than 25 and they will be asked to take part for 20 days, although they will only follow the diet plan for 12 days.
“The diets themselves are all prepared at the Rowett, and have been developed using common foods, including soup, sandwiches and puddings. We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in taking part in this study.”
For more information visit https://www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett/volunteer or contact or Professor Alexandra Johnstone: alex.johnstone@abdn.ac.uk