Effects of a movie theater meal on heart and metabolic health

The Movie Theater Study: Acute Cardiometabolic Effects of a Cinema-Style Meal

Not applicable Interventional Ball State University · NCT06444984

This study tests how eating a typical movie theater meal with popcorn, soda, and candy affects heart and metabolic health in people who either fast or eat a high-fat meal beforehand.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorBall State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Muncie, Indiana)
Trial IDNCT06444984 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the acute cardiometabolic effects of consuming a cinema-style meal that includes popcorn, soda, and candy. Participants will undergo two visits where they will either fast or consume a high-fat meal before eating the cinema meal. The study will measure vascular responses and blood samples to assess the impact of these meals on heart and metabolic health. Participants will be required to fast for approximately 10 hours prior to each visit and avoid certain medications and substances.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-45 who do not have any cardiometabolic or chronic inflammatory conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with existing cardiometabolic conditions, chronic inflammatory diseases, or those taking glucose or lipid-lowering medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how high-sugar and high-fat meals affect heart and metabolic health in young adults.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into the effects of diet on cardiometabolic health, this specific approach of examining cinema-style meals is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-45 years old
* Not pregnant or expecting to become pregnant (females only)
* Not postmenopausal (females only).
* Not been diagnosed with a cardiometabolic conditions (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes)
* Not been diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease).
* Does not regularly take anti-inflammatory drugs (more than 2x week) or able to temporarily suspend use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
* Does not use glucose-lowering drugs (e.g., metformin)
* Does not use lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., statins)
* Does not use tobacco products or any illicit drugs.
* Does not have a pacemaker.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not 18-45 years old
* Pregnant or expecting to become pregnant (females only)
* Postmenopausal (females only).
* Been diagnosed with a cardiometabolic conditions (e.g., heart disease, type 2 diabetes)
* Been diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory condition (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease).
* Regularly take anti-inflammatory drugs (more than 2x week) or unable to temporarily suspend use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
* Use glucose-lowering drugs (e.g., metformin)
* Use lipid-lowering drugs (e.g., statins)
* Use tobacco products or any illicit drugs.
* Has a pacemaker.

Where this trial is running

Muncie, Indiana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hyperglycemia, PostprandialHyperinsulinemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.