Pistachios for Dietary Changes in Obesity
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether daily pistachio consumption can improve weight, diet, and energy levels in individuals with obesity. Researchers aim to determine if adding pistachios to meals increases satiety and enhances body composition over 12 weeks. Participants will either consume pistachios daily or maintain their usual diet without them. The trial seeks adults who have been using weight-loss medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide for at least three months and have a BMI of 30 or higher. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research on dietary impacts on obesity.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
You will not have to stop taking your current medications. In fact, the trial requires that you continue using semaglutide or tirzepatide during the study.
What prior data suggests that pistachio intake is safe for dietary changes in obesity?
Research shows that eating pistachios is generally safe. Studies have found that regularly consuming pistachios is well-tolerated and can offer benefits like weight loss and reduced body fat. For instance, eating pistachios daily for 12 weeks helped healthy women improve their nutrient intake without affecting their weight or body shape. Another study found that a diet including pistachios lowered Body Mass Index (BMI) without significant changes in weight or waist size.
These studies have reported no major negative effects from eating pistachios, suggesting that adding them to a diet is safe for most people, even with daily consumption.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Unlike typical obesity treatments that often involve medications or surgical interventions, this approach focuses on incorporating pistachios into the diet. Pistachios are rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which can enhance satiety and help manage weight. Researchers are excited because this dietary change leverages natural food properties, potentially providing a simple, accessible, and sustainable way to support weight management without the side effects associated with more invasive treatments.
What evidence suggests that pistachio intake might be an effective treatment for obesity?
Research shows that eating pistachios can help with weight management and body size. One study found that people who regularly ate pistachios lost weight and had smaller waists. Another study discovered that eating pistachios daily for 12 weeks improved the nutrient intake in healthy women's diets without affecting their weight. Additionally, a diet including pistachios helped lower BMI, a measure of body fat based on height and weight. This trial will compare a group consuming pistachios daily with a group that excludes pistachios from their diet. Overall, these findings suggest that adding pistachios to the diet may help manage weight and improve diet quality.13567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ian Neeland, MD
Principal Investigator
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Abigail Raffner, MD
Principal Investigator
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults who are on GLP-1 therapy for at least three months can join this study. It's designed to see if eating pistachios affects their weight, diet healthiness, and energy levels. The trial is not suitable for individuals with nut allergies or those who cannot undergo DEXA scans.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants consume 2 ounces of pistachios daily for 12 weeks to assess effects on satiety, fatigue, mood, dietary quality, food enjoyment, and physical activity.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in health markers and diet quality after the treatment phase.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Pistachio Intake
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ian J. Neeland, MD
Lead Sponsor