Right Size Me

Wednesday 5 January 2005

"We are often told that snacks between meals are responsible for weight gain but so far there is no substantial evidence that exists to support this opinion," says Michelle Palmer, Nutrition and Dietetics researcher from the University of Newcastle.

Michelle is looking for participants for a weight loss study which will examine the impact of meal patterns on losing weight and investigate the outcomes of different low energy meal patterns on weight loss, and general health.

"The role of snacking as part of an energy restricted diet in weight management is unclear," says Michelle. "The study will aim to discover whether a snacking versus a non-snacking meal pattern has any affect on weight loss and other important health parameters."

"The study will provide evidence regarding individualising weight loss strategies and assist in increasing diet commitment."

"By examining the barriers and enablers for staying committed to weight loss, it is hoped that we can determine whether these diets are transferable to the real world."

"The results of this study will have dramatic implications for clinical dietetics, with regard to a best practice approach for weight loss."

"Weight loss programs will be able to include the evidence-based information from the study when devising diet strategies."

"The study may also have an impact on the food industry, providing consumers with acceptable choice, variety and information," says Michelle.

Michelle is undertaking her PhD in meal patterns at the University of Newcastle, under the supervision of Professor Sandra Capra.

The study is seeking male and female overweight adult participants who live in the Hunter Region of NSW, without additional health problems. Participants will be randomly allocated one of three meal patterns and asked to follow one of a number of weight loss diets for six months, with follow up at 9 and 12 months.

Interested participants should contact Michelle Palmer on (02) 4921 6629.

For further information and interviews contact: Michelle Palmer on (02) 4921 6629 or Michelle's supervisor, Professor Sandra Capra on (02) 4921 5642.