Date of Completion

Spring 5-1-2016

Thesis Advisor(s)

Tricia Leahey

Honors Major

Allied Health Sciences

Abstract

This secondary data analysis examined the effects of breakfast eating and total daily eating frequency on baseline BMI and weight loss outcomes among overweight or obese adults enrolled in a weight loss program. Participants (N = 230) from Shape Up Rhode Island (SURI), an annual wellness campaign, were recruited and randomly assigned into one of three intervention groups: SURI alone, SURI plus an Internet behavioral weight loss program, or SURI plus the Internet behavioral weight loss program plus optional group meetings. Participants reported breakfast eating and total eating frequency before and after treatment. BMI and weight were assessed before and after treatment. There was no significant association between baseline breakfast eating and weight loss or total eating frequency and weight loss. Also, no significant association was found between breakfast eating and baseline BMI or total eating frequency and baseline BMI. However, weight loss was associated with more frequent breakfast eating post-trial (P = 0.00) and one trend in the data suggested more frequent eating post-trial may be associated with less weight loss (P = 0.085). Eating breakfast and controlling daily eating frequency may enhance weight loss outcomes in obesity treatment.

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