60 Participants Needed

Pistachio Snacking for Obesity

CU
Overseen ByCallie Unrein, MS
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: University of South Carolina
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of pistachio snacking on metabolic flexibility (at rest, during exercise, and in post-exercise recovery) in healthy overweight and obese adults. Secondary goals include evaluating effects on changes in diet quality, sleep characteristics, physical activity, and hormonal health in women. In randomized order, participants will complete four days of pistachio snacking and four days of normal dietary habits (control). For both conditions, primary outcomes of resting substrate metabolism, metabolic flexibility during exercise, and post-exercise substrate metabolism will be measured pre-post intervention via indirect calorimetry. Secondary outcome of diet quality (kcal, carb, fat, protein) will be measured pre-post intervention via diet log. Exploratory outcomes of daily physical activity (steps, intensity), nightly sleep characteristics (quantity, quality, latency, efficiency), and daytime sleepiness and hunger.

Who Is on the Research Team?

KR

Katie R Hirsch, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of South Carolina

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for healthy adults aged 25-45 who are overweight or obese (BMI=25.0-34.9), don't exercise much, eat a varied diet, and have poor sleep quality. It's not for those with metabolic, cardiovascular, sleep disorders or any condition affecting metabolism or ability to do the exercise test.

Inclusion Criteria

Not meeting weekly physical activity recommendations (<150 min moderate-intensity exercise, <75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, and <2 days of strength training)
My BMI is between 25.0 and 34.9.
Not following a diet that is restrictive or eliminates certain food group/types
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

Allergies to nuts, especially tree nuts
Has a pacemaker
Following a diet that is restrictive or eliminates certain food group/types
See 3 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo two conditions: four days of pistachio snacking and four days of normal dietary habits, with metabolic measurements taken pre- and post-intervention.

8 days
Daily visits for measurements

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in metabolic flexibility, diet quality, sleep characteristics, and physical activity post-treatment.

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Pistachio

Trial Overview

The study tests if eating pistachios affects how the body uses energy at rest, during exercise, and after exercising in overweight/obese individuals. Participants alternate between four days of pistachio snacking and their regular diet while researchers measure changes in metabolism and other health aspects like sleep and hormones.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: PistachioExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Carolina

Lead Sponsor

Trials
233
Recruited
122,000+

American Pistachio Growers

Collaborator

Trials
6
Recruited
320+