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A Low Glycemic Index Diet as Prevention of the Catch-up Fat Phenomenon

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Dietary Intervention
Interventions
Other: dietary intervention by varying GI diets
Registration Number
NCT01737034
Lead Sponsor
University of Kiel
Brief Summary

The catch-up fat phenomenon is an evolutionary conserved physiological response to a starvationrefeeding cycle. It is characterized by long-term suppression of thermogenesis, reduced body protein regain and an increase in fat mass above basal level during refeeding. Clinically, it characterises weight cycling in overweight patients which is associated with increasing fat mass (visceral fat) and increased morbidity (e.g. insulin resistance, inflammation). In this project, the physiological, cellular and molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon will be investigated in humans, mice and C. elegans. It is hypothesized that refeeding a low GI (=glycemic index)- diet after weight loss prevents the catchup fat phenomenon and its sequelae. This translational research will provide comprehensive insights into the catch-up fat phenomenon as well as provide a suitable strategy of its prevention.

Detailed Description

In a human intervention study, changes in physiological, metabolic, and neuroendocrine functions in response to weight cycling will be investigated under controlled conditions in normal weight subjects. The mechanisms of the catch-up fat phenomenon are analysed starting from stable energy balance followed by overfeeding, weight loss and weight regain following weight loss (refeeding). Changes in body composition (including ectopic fat), metabolism (resting energy expenditure, substrate oxidation rates, insulin resistance) and plasma hormone concentrations will be assessed. Fat tissue probes will be used to characterise key enzymes and signalling pathways, redox status and whole genome expression. Modulation of the hormonal response to weight cycling is brought about by varying macronutrient content and glycemic index of the diets. We hypothesize that, insulin and leptin resistance are explained by increased insulin secretion during the refeeding period. Both, adaptive thermogenesis as well as insulin and leptin resistance can be ameliorated by attenuation of the increase in insulin and leptin secretion during refeeding a low GI diet after weight loss.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
32
Inclusion Criteria
  • normal weight (BMI 20-24 kg/m2), normal fat mass
Exclusion Criteria
  • smoking, chronic diseases, drug intake, nutrient allergies, lactose intolerance, pacemaker, metalliferous implants

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
low GI, low GIdietary intervention by varying GI dietslow GI diet (semi starvation phase) followed by low GI diet in the refeeding phase
low GI, high GIdietary intervention by varying GI dietslow GI diet (semi starvation phase) followed by high GI diet in the refeeding phase
high GI, low GIdietary intervention by varying GI dietshigh GI diet (semi starvation phase) followed by low GI diet in the refeeding phase
high GI, high GIdietary intervention by varying GI dietshigh GI diet (semi starvation phase) followed by high GI diet in the refeeding phase
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in body composition and energy metabolism after 3 weeks of underfeeding and 2 following weeks of refeedingBody composition measurement after 4 and 6 study weeks

Body composition measurement including BODPOD, QMR, BIA Energy Metabolism measurement using indirect calorimetry

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Institute of Human Nutrition

🇩🇪

Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

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