Weight loss with or without carbohydrate restriction, and continuous or intermittent exercise: protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to propose a study protocol for healthy weight loss based on diet with carbohydrate restriction and High Intensity Intermittent Exercise.

Method: The protocol was generated for a randomized controlled clinical trial; which aims to provide weight loss based on diet with or without carbohydrate restriction and continuous exercise (walking or running) or High Intensity Intermittent Exercise (circuit with functional exercise). The sample will be composed by sedentary overweight adults from the university community. The volunteers will be evaluated before and after 12 weeks of intervention in relation to the nutritional (anthropometric and dietary intake), physical (strength, agility, speed and cardiorespiratory resistance), biochemical (complete blood count, hormone test and lipid profile test) and mood aspects, besides their qualitative perception of the intervention, identifying the barriers and facilitators of the weight loss process.

Discussion: Considering the relevance of diet and physical exercise for health, the present proposal may help to understand the effects of moderated restriction of dietary carbohydrates and continuous or intermittent physical exercise on weight loss and functional performance in overweight individuals. Tthe described methods are easily applicable and inexpensive, and can be useful as a tool for the treatment of obesity in an outpatient setting.

Registration number: RBR-5n9g5f (Ensaios Clínicos Governo do Brasil, registration date: May 17, 2017)