Figure 1.

Study design and CONSORT flow diagram

(A) Study design. Prior to baseline, participants completed comprehensive in-lab screening to determine their eligibility. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to the order in which they received the morning loaded (ML) and evening loaded (EL) weight-loss diets. The baseline (B) and washout (W) diets were provided as energy intake (EI) equally distributed between breakfast, lunch, and dinner (33% of EI at all meals). All meals were provided from the start of baseline to the end of the study. EI during B and W was 1.5× measured RMR. EI during ML and EL weight-loss diets was 1.0× RMR. EI was measured over the entire study duration based on food provided and daily food records. Body weight was assessed 3 times per week when participants attended the institute to collect their meals. Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) was measured for the entire 4-week duration of each weight-loss diet using doubly labeled water (DLW). All other measures were assessed in the final week of each dietary phase.

(B) Consort diagram describing the number of patients throughout the process of enrollment through to completion.

RMR, resting metabolic rate; DXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; TBW, total body water; TDEE, total daily energy expenditure; TEF, thermic effect of food; DLW, doubly labeled water.