Objective and subjective appetite measures: high versus low eating frequency in a randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors' conclusion
High EF led to smaller changes in objective and subjective appetite measures, suggesting that small frequent meals may lead to blunted satiety and less optimal appetite regulation.
Study context
- Population
- Healthy adults; mean age 32 years, 78% women, 60% non-Hispanic Whiteall completed
- Participants
- 50 adults
- Comparison
- High eating frequency (EF) vs low EF for 21 days
- Primary endpoint
- Objective (postprandial ghrelin and PYY) and subjective appetite measures
- Follow-up
- Day 21 of each period, 7-h clinic visit
Methodological detailseucaloric, 14-day washout
- Eucaloric
- 14-day washout
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
day 21
- High EF vs Low EF: p value for ghrelin = 0.03
- High EF vs Low EF: p value for PYY < 0.001
Further findings
Self-reported hunger, desire to eat and fullness
- Similar patterns (smaller changes with high EF)
Postprandial PYY by subgroup (overweight/obesity or high body fat %)
- Differences in postprandial PYY greater among participants with overweight/obesity or high body fat percentage
Original publication
Objective and subjective appetite measures: high versus low eating frequency in a randomized crossover clinical trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 1 April 2025. doi:10.
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