This study investigates the effects of carbohydrate and sugar consumption on body fat and metabolism. Many people with obesity struggle to maintain weight loss due to biological changes like increased hunger and decreased energy use. The study explores the Carbohydrate-Insulin Model, which suggests that high carbohydrate diets may lead to more body fat by increasing insulin, causing hunger and slowing metabolism.
The study involves 125 adults with obesity who will first follow a very-low-carbohydrate diet to lose weight. After stabilizing their weight, participants will stay in a research center for 13 weeks. They will follow one of three diets: very-low-carbohydrate, high-carbohydrate-low-sugar, or high-carbohydrate-high-sugar, with energy intake matched to their energy use.
- Who can participate: Adults with obesity willing to follow a very-low-carbohydrate diet and reside in a research unit for 3 months may participate. Major food allergies or specialized diets are exclusion criteria.
- Study details: Participants will adhere to a specific diet plan in the research unit, consuming only provided foods and drinks. They will be randomly assigned to one of three diets with energy intake matched to expenditure.
