Feasibility Testing of Plant-Based Supplemented Food Products Made With Manitoba Crop Ingredients for Weight Loss

Overview

The purpose of this study is to advance the development of the WI/CDIC supplemented foods by evaluating the acceptance and feasibility of the supplemented food bars within the Wellness Institute's Weight Loss Clinic program (WLC) or an equivalent weight loss program in Winnipeg or the surrounding area. The main questions it aims to answer are: * To determine whether the incorporation of WI/CDIC supplemented foods into the WI weight loss clinic design is feasible. * To determine whether weight loss is supported by a plant-based supplemented food. * To assess efficacy of the supplemented food by measuring changes in lifestyle behaviours and risk factors for chronic disease compared to non-supplemented food weight loss program members. Researchers will compare the WLC program plus supplemented food to the WLC program without the supplemented food to evaluate the implementation of the supplemented foods into the WLC. Participants will follow their WLC program for the initial 16 weeks, and those in the intervention group will begin their supplemented food. Participants will consume one supplemented food bar each day and will record this in the product consumption log.

This is a pilot evaluation of the feasibility of incorporating the WI/CDIC supplemented food into the WI's newly designed WLC. This study will employ a mixed methods quasi-experimental approach using questionnaires and data collected over the evaluation period. Following consent, participants will be asked to fill out a set of questionnaires, to capture dietary intake, and to wear an activity monitor; to measure diet, physical activity, QOL and sleep before each study meeting. Eligible participants (n=40) will be randomized to intervention (supplemented food) or no intervention. Participants will attend two in-person study visits - one at the initiation and one at the completion of the 16-week weight loss program. Body weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure and heart rate will be recorded at these two time points as well, as collected through the weight loss clinic program. Participants will also complete an exit questionnaire at the second visit that will include a 9-point hedonic scale to evaluate product acceptability.