Intermittent energy restriction improves weight loss efficiency in obese men: the MATADOR study
Byrne NM, Sainsbury A, King NA, Hills AP, Wood RE
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Summary
An RCT in which men with obesity were randomised to 16 weeks of continuous energy restriction or to intermittent restriction delivered as 2-week blocks alternating with 2-week blocks of energy balance (30 weeks planned). Intake during restriction was 67% of maintenance requirements in both groups. Among the 36 who completed per protocol, the intermittent group lost more weight (14.1 vs 9.1 kg) and more fat mass (12.3 vs 8.0 kg), with no difference in fat-free mass loss. After adjusting for body composition change, the fall in resting energy expenditure was significantly smaller in the intermittent group.
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- The text of this record has been checked against the original abstractWhat was checked: sample size, measured outcomes, study design, population studied51 were randomised, 47 commenced the intervention and 36 completed per protocol. sampleSize records the 51 at randomisation.
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Key findings
- 1
Weight loss was greater with intermittent restriction (14.1±5.6 vs 9.1±2.9 kg, p<0.001).
- 2
Fat mass loss was also greater (12.3±4.8 vs 8.0±4.2 kg, p<0.01), while fat-free mass loss did not differ (p=0.4).
- 3
After adjusting for body composition change, the reduction in resting energy expenditure was smaller in the intermittent group (-360 vs -749 kJ/day, p<0.05); the unadjusted difference was not significant.
- 4
Mean weight change across the seven 2-week energy balance blocks was 0.0±0.3 kg, indicating a genuine return to maintenance intake.
- 5
Participants were 51 men with obesity at randomisation, with 36 completing per protocol. The findings do not extend to women, trained individuals, or lean populations.
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