Pilot test of a bites-focused weight loss intervention

Abstract

Introduction: To combat high obesity prevalence, many weight loss programs have emerged in recent years. One approach, which encourages individuals to count their number of daily bites rather than calories, has been proposed as a weight loss tool. However, it is unknown to what extent a bites approach that focuses on a modest reduction in bites over time would help participants lose weight. The purpose of this study was to pilot test a simple bites-focused weight loss intervention on a Midwestern university campus. Methods: Participants were recruited during fall 2015 and were asked to count and report daily bites for one week. Daily bite totals were averaged by week to obtain a weekly bite baseline. Then, for four additional weeks, participants were encouraged to reach and remain at a new bite goal (a 20-30% reduction in their personal bite count). Using SAS v 9.4 and MS Excel, paired t-tests were conducted to determine whether reduction in weight was significant. Results: Of the 61 participants who started this study, 41 participants completed it. On average, participants lost 1.6 kg from baseline to the end of the study (p<0.0001). Those in the 20% reduction group lost about as much weight (1.8 kg) as those in the 20% reduction group (1.4 kg) (p<0.3813). Conclusion: With minimal coaching, no required change in exercise, and limited change in food choices, participants lost a statistically significant amount of weight over the course of this study. However, further research is needed to determine whether this would hold true in a larger population and to what extent food quality and nutrition might be incorporated in a bites diet program.