Although the energy balance equation in theory is simple, and weight loss will occur if energy
intake is less than energy expenditure, it appears to be
very difficult to achieve long-term negative energy balance
(i.e. to promote weight loss) and subsequent energy balance
(i.e. for weight maintenance) in practice. Strategies
to facilitate a reduction in energy intake in the overweight
and obese are needed.
The macronutrient composition of the diet and the
role of eating frequency (EF) have both been implicated