Lowering Caloric Density of the Diet
Lowering Caloric Density of the Diet
For weight loss to occur, energy intake needs to be reduced to incur an energy deficit. One
 dietary strategy that may facilitate reducing energy intake and enhancing weight loss is
 consuming a diet low in dietary energy density (ED). The ED of a given food, defined as the
 ratio of energy of the food to the weight of the food (kcal/g), is largely determined by
 water content, but is also affected by fat and fiber. Although the 2010 Dietary Guidelines
 encourage an eating pattern low in energy density (ED) to manage weight, it is currently not
 known what the best strategy is for reducing ED in the diet. Eating a greater number of foods
 low in ED or reducing the number of foods high in ED may reduce overall dietary ED. As ED is
 believed to reduce intake by allowing a greater weight of food relative to total energy
 consumed assisting with enhancing feelings of fullness, it is anticipated that either
 increasing consumption of low-ED foods in the diet alone or combining an increase in
 consumption of low-ED foods with a decrease in consumption of high-ED foods may be the best
 strategies for reducing overall dietary ED for weight loss.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  1) age between 18 and 65 years and 2) a body mass index (BMI)7 between 27 and 45
 kg/m2.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. report a heart condition, chest pain during periods of activity or rest, or loss of
 consciousness on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)8 (medical
 conditions that could limit exercise for safety reasons will be required to obtain
 written physician consent before participating in the investigation)

 2. report being unable to walk for 2 blocks (1/4 mile) without stopping

 3. are currently participating in a weight loss program and/or taking weight loss
 medication or lost > 5% of body weight during the past 6 months

 4. report major psychiatric diseases or organic brain syndromes

 5. have had bariatric surgery or are planning to have bariatric surgery within the next 4
 months

 6. intend to move outside of the metropolitan area within the time frame of the
 investigation

 7. are pregnant, lactating, < 6 months post-partum, or plan to become pregnant during the
 investigation.