Effect of Intermittent vs. Continuous Energy Restriction on Visceral Fat: Protocol for The Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study 2 (HDLS2).

Obesity in the United States and Western countries represents a major health challenge associated with an increased risk of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and certain cancers. Our past work revealed a more pronounced obesity-cancer link in certain ethnic groups, motivating us to develop a tailored dietary intervention called the Healthy Diet and Lifestyle 2 (HDLS2). The study protocol is described herein for this randomized six-month trial examining the effects of intermittent energy restriction (5:2 Diet) plus the Mediterranean dietary pattern (IER + MED) on visceral adipose tissue (VAT), liver fat, and metabolic biomarkers, compared to a standard MED with daily energy restriction (DER + MED), in a diverse participant group.