Determining the effect of different meal frequencies on nutritional status in overweight and obese women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of meal frequency on anthropometric measurements, body composition and sleep quality in overweight and obese women who were aged 18-45. The study was conducted on 50 women who applied to a counseling center in Sivas city center in January-May 2020 to receive consultancy service on nutrition and diet. Women who are pregnant or lactating, in the menopause period, regularly use drugs that affect metabolism, have psychiatric disorders and chronic diseases were excluded from the study. The distribution of women was determined by randomization method. The nutrition program, which included 2 meals for the first group and 6 meals for the second group, was planned by the dietician who conducted the research and nutrition program was applied for 4 weeks. Information about the participants' socio-demographic characteristics, general health status and nutritional habits was provided by a questionnaire form. 3-day food consumption records were taken from individuals. In order to determine physical activity levels, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ Short Form) was applied. Anthropometric measurements (height, waist circumference, hip circumference, upper middle arm circumference) were taken, body composition analyzed, "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale" was used to define sleep quality. Basal metabolic rate was determined with the Harris Benedict formula and the energy requirement of the individuals was calculated. Anthropometric measurements, body composition analysis and sleep quality of the individuals were re-evaluated after 4 weeks. The mean age of women was 31.3 ± 7.2 years. At the beginning of the study, the mean body weight of women was 83.94 ± 12.16 kg. The mean BMI values of women was 31.88 ± 4.85 kg / m2. 64% of women had low and 36% moderate physical activity level. 46.0% of women were provided to consume 2 meals and 54.0% of women were provided to consume 6 meals. A statistically significant decrease was found in the body fat mass, lean mass and body fluid of women who consuming both 2 meals and 6 meals after 4 weeks. A significant decrease in upper middle arm circumference and waist circumference was determined in the 2 groups. While there was a statistically significant decrease in waist / hip ratio in women who consumed 2 meals, there was no significant difference in women who consumed 6 meals. In the beginning, 38.0% of the women had good sleep quality and 62.0% of women had poor sleep quality. After 4 weeks, 46.0% of the women had good sleep quality and 54.0% had poor sleep quality. In conclusion, while planning diets aimed at weight loss, applying the frequency of meals appropriate to the lifestyle of the individual may contribute to the medical nutrition treatment of obesity. However, due to conflicting findings in the literature, more comprehensive studies are needed to understand the effect of meal frequency on nutritional status. Keywords: Meal frequency, mealtime, intermittent feeding, nutritional status, sleep quality