Watermelon for Satiety

Overseen By Mee Young Hong, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: San Diego State University

Disqualifiers: Smoker, Pregnant, Metabolic disorders, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 2 hours per session

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to assess how eating fresh watermelon affects feelings of fullness, metabolism, and weight control. Participants will consume either watermelon or low-fat cookies to compare the effects. The trial seeks individuals aged 18-55 with a BMI between 25 and 40, who do not smoke or have specific dietary needs or allergies. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the health benefits of watermelon consumption.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial requires that you do not need any medication for metabolic disorders, so if you are on such medications, you may need to stop taking them to participate.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that eating fresh watermelon is generally safe for most people. Studies indicate that daily consumption can help lower body weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure, benefiting weight management and heart health. One study found that blended watermelon helps stabilize blood sugar and increases feelings of fullness, especially in overweight teens.

Overall, watermelon is considered safe and healthy. It is linked to better nutrient intake and diet quality for both kids and adults. Eating watermelon in moderation poses no serious health risks for most people. However, individuals with certain health conditions should exercise caution. For the average person, watermelon is a safe and tasty choice. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about using fresh watermelon for satiety because it offers a natural and refreshing alternative to traditional appetite control methods like low-fat cookies or calorie-counting diets. Unlike processed snacks, watermelon is hydrating, low in calories, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants, which can contribute to a feeling of fullness without the extra sugars and fats. This approach could potentially provide a healthier, more enjoyable way to manage hunger and support weight control.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for satiety?

Research shows that eating fresh watermelon, which participants in this trial may receive, can promote fullness and weight loss. Studies have found that consuming watermelon can lead to weight loss, lower body mass index (BMI), and reduced blood pressure. Participants also reported feeling more satisfied after eating watermelon compared to other snacks. This effect may result from watermelon being low in calories but high in water and fiber, which can aid in weight management and prolong feelings of fullness. Overall, watermelon appears to be a beneficial choice for those aiming to manage their weight and improve their health. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 18-55 with a BMI between 25 and 40, who are not pregnant, do not smoke, don't need dietary supplements or medication for metabolic disorders, and have no allergies to watermelon or gluten.

Inclusion Criteria

Your body mass index (BMI) is between 25 and 40.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant woman

You are a person who smokes cigarettes.

You are required to take dietary supplements as part of the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants consume fresh watermelon or low-fat cookies to assess effects on satiety and cardiometabolic health

2 hours per session

6 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Fresh Watermelon Consumption

Trial Overview The study is looking at how eating fresh watermelon affects feelings of fullness (satiety), body weight management, and heart health compared to consuming low-fat cookies.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Watermelon Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: Low fat cookies Active Control 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

San Diego State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

182

Recruited

119,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a pilot study involving 23 participants, an anti-inflammatory dietary intervention that included watermelon showed potential benefits for body composition, particularly for those who adopted a more anti-inflammatory diet, leading to reductions in body fat percentage and body mass index.

Despite the intervention's focus, some participants' diets became more pro-inflammatory, indicating that adherence to dietary changes is crucial for achieving the desired health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a 3-Month Anti-inflammatory Dietary Intervention Focusing on Watermelon on Body Habitus, Inflammation, and Metabolic Markers: A Pilot Study. Wirth, MD., Shivappa, N., Khan, S., et al.[2020]

In a study with 20 healthy participants, consuming a smoothie with 15 g of baobab fruit extract significantly reduced feelings of hunger compared to a control smoothie without baobab.

Although baobab extract decreased hunger, it did not lead to a significant reduction in calorie intake during a subsequent meal, suggesting it may help with weight maintenance without affecting overall food consumption.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The acute effects of baobab fruit ( Adansonia digitata) on satiety in healthy adults. Garvey, R., Clegg, M., Coe, S.[2018]

In a large study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) involving children and adults, watermelon consumers showed significantly higher diet quality and nutrient intake compared to non-consumers.

Watermelon intake was associated with over 5% higher consumption of beneficial nutrients like dietary fiber, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin A, while also leading to lower intake of added sugars and saturated fats, suggesting it can positively impact overall health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon Intake Is Associated with Increased Nutrient Intake and Higher Diet Quality in Adults and Children, NHANES 2003-2018. Fulgoni, K., Fulgoni, VL.[2022]

A low-sugar watermelon developed through traditional breeding techniques was found to be acceptable in taste by Native American consumers, including both students and adults, indicating its potential as a healthier option for those with diabetes.

The low-sugar watermelon maintained similar levels of important nutrients like lycopene and beta-carotene compared to conventional watermelons, making it a nutritious alternative with lower sugar content.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumer acceptability of low-sugar watermelon sweetened with non-calorie sweetener by a Native American community. Collins, JK., Davis, AR., Adams, A., et al.[2016]

Watermelon is a functional food with significant health benefits, attributed to its rich content of phytochemicals like lycopene and l-citrulline, which can help treat conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes.

Both l-citrulline and lycopene supplementation have shown positive health effects in various studies, and watermelon consumption has been linked to effective weight management in humans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Versatile Nutraceutical Potentials of Watermelon-A Modest Fruit Loaded with Pharmaceutically Valuable Phytochemicals. Manivannan, A., Lee, ES., Han, K., et al.[2021]

Watermelon supplementation significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels in a meta-analysis of 9 randomized controlled trials involving various participants.

While watermelon showed promising antihypertensive effects, it also led to an increase in fasting blood sugar, and the results for other cardiovascular risk factors were inconclusive, highlighting the need for further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Watermelon consumption decreases risk factors of cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Karimi, E., Abaj, F., Gholizadeh, M., et al.[2023]

Consuming whole apples significantly reduces energy intake at subsequent meals by 15% compared to no preload and is more effective than applesauce or apple juice, indicating that solid fruit enhances satiety more than processed forms.

The study involved 58 adults over 5 weeks, showing that whole fruit leads to greater fullness ratings than applesauce or juice, and adding fiber to juice does not improve satiety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of fruit in different forms on energy intake and satiety at a meal. Flood-Obbagy, JE., Rolls, BJ.[2021]

In a study involving 33 overweight or obese adults, consuming 2 cups of watermelon daily for 4 weeks led to significant reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure compared to isocaloric low-fat cookies.

Watermelon consumption also resulted in greater feelings of fullness and lower hunger levels, while improving total antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress, suggesting it may be beneficial for weight management and metabolic health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Fresh Watermelon Consumption on the Acute Satiety Response and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Adults. Lum, T., Connolly, M., Marx, A., et al.[2023]

Tomato soup significantly reduced the intake of a second course meal more than melon or cheese on crackers, indicating it is more effective at promoting satiety.

The effectiveness of tomato soup in reducing food intake is likely due to its low energy density, rather than sensory-specific satiety, suggesting it could be beneficial in weight management strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Foods with different satiating effects in humans. Rolls, BJ., Fedoroff, IC., Guthrie, JF., et al.[2019]

Randomized controlled trials indicate that increasing whole, fresh fruit consumption can help with weight maintenance or modest weight loss over periods of 3 to 24 weeks, suggesting it may be beneficial for those looking to manage their weight.

Observational studies show that higher habitual fruit intake is generally not linked to weight gain and may even provide modest protection against it, reinforcing the idea that whole, fresh fruit does not contribute to obesity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Whole, Fresh Fruit Consumption on Energy Intake and Adiposity: A Systematic Review. Guyenet, SJ.[2020]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6470521/

Effects of Fresh Watermelon Consumption on the Acute ... This study shows that reductions in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure can be achieved through daily consumption of watermelon.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589936825000015

Effects of blenderized watermelon consumption on satiety ... Participants reported increased appetite after 120 min with WM, compared to 60 min with SSB (P < 0.05). In the triangle sensory test, 70 % of participants ...

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/331712666_Effects_of_Fresh_Watermelon_Consumption_on_the_Acute_Satiety_Response_and_Cardiometabolic_Risk_Factors_in_Overweight_and_Obese_Adults

(PDF) Effects of Fresh Watermelon Consumption on the ... Watermelon consumption significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio (p ≤ 0.05).

4. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-8-2017-34684

Watermelon for Satiety Fresh watermelon consumption is unique because it not only helps with feeling full (satiety) but also contributes to weight loss, lowers blood pressure, ...

5. bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-023-05771-7

a randomized controlled trial | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Adding watermelon to the diet after hospital discharge for HG improves bodyweight, HG symptoms, appetite, wellbeing and satisfaction.

6. medicalnewstoday.com medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266886

Watermelon: Health benefits, nutrition, and risks Risks of watermelon. Moderate amounts of watermelon present no serious health risk for most people. However, people with certain conditions may ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9692283/

Watermelon Intake Is Associated with Increased Nutrient ... This study suggests watermelon can increase nutrient intake as well as diet quality in both children and adult Americans.

8. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-7-2019-42a67

Watermelon Juice for Satiety The available safety data for watermelon consumption, including juice, suggests it is generally safe and beneficial. Studies have shown that watermelon ...