12-week balanced diet effects on body composition and metabolism in twins
A Comparative Study of Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins: Evaluating the Effects of a 12-Week Balanced Diet Intervention on Body Composition and Metabolic Parameters.
This 12-week program will test whether a WHO-style balanced diet changes body composition and metabolic markers in adult monozygotic and dizygotic twins in Lahore.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore - Pakistan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07362550 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized 12-week interventional study will enroll monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs aged 18–60 at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Lahore. Participants will follow a WHO-aligned balanced diet with individualized counseling and adherence monitoring. Body composition and metabolic blood markers will be measured at baseline and week 12, and within-pair similarity will be compared between twin types. Statistical analyses will use paired tests for within-pair comparisons and independent tests to compare monozygotic versus dizygotic responses.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult twin pairs (ages 18–60) with confirmed zygosity who are both willing to follow the 12-week WHO-aligned diet and complete study visits, and who do not have chronic conditions requiring specialized diets.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant or lactating, have major gastrointestinal disorders or conditions affecting nutrient absorption, are on recent lipid‑ or glucose‑lowering or weight‑loss medications, or who are not twin pairs are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help tailor personalized nutrition guidance in Pakistan by clarifying how genetic and environmental factors influence diet response.
How similar studies have performed: Dietary interventions commonly improve metabolic markers in general populations, but randomized twin trials examining genetic versus environmental similarity in diet response are limited and this approach is relatively novel in Pakistan.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female twins aged 18-60 years. * Confirmed zygosity (MZ or DZ) based on a validated twin zygosity questionnaire. * Both twins willing to participate for the entire intervention period. * Free from chronic diseases requiring specialized diets (e.g., type 1 diabetes, celiac disease). * Not currently enrolled in another dietary or lifestyle intervention study. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or lactating women. * Use of lipid-lowering, glucose-lowering, or weight-loss medications in the past 3 months. * Major gastrointestinal disorders or conditions affecting nutrient absorption. * Unwillingness to follow individualized dietary counseling or complete study assessments.
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lhr. — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Qaisar Raza, Ph.D — University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lhr.
- Study coordinator: Momina Azhar Mehmood, Postgraduate
- Email: mominaazhar1612@gmail.com
- Phone: +92-3227642452
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.