Effects of eating watermelon on gut and heart health
Official title: Effect of Daily Fresh Watermelon Consumption on Gut and Cardiometabolic Health in Young Adults With Overweight and Obesity
Run by Florida State University · NCT06588218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if eating fresh watermelon every day for six weeks can improve gut and heart health in young adults who are overweight or obese.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Florida State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tallahassee, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 13, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06588218 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are young adults aged 18 to 30 who are classified as overweight or obese.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with gastrointestinal diseases, significant allergies to study foods, or those who regularly consume watermelon may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the impact of daily fresh watermelon consumption over six weeks on gut health and cardiometabolic measures in young adults with overweight and obesity. Participants will consume either watermelon or a low-fat snack, and the study aims to assess changes in gut microbiome diversity, intestinal barrier health, body composition, blood pressure, and inflammation markers. The trial will compare these outcomes between the watermelon group and the control group to determine the potential health benefits of watermelon consumption.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to dietary recommendations that improve gut health and reduce obesity-related health risks.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on dietary impacts on gut health exist, the specific focus on watermelon as an intervention is relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between 18 and 30 years old * Ability to speak and read in English * Overweight or Obese Class 1 and 2 (BMI ≥ 25 - 39.9 kg/m2) Exclusion Criteria: * Intake of antibiotics in the last 3 months * Intake of pre/pro/postbiotics in the last 3 months * Current or past (within the last 6 months) user of tobacco, marijuana, or E-cigarette products * Cardiovascular disease (will not exclude for hypertension), gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, celiac, Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, peptic ulcers, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, short bowel syndrome), neurological (multiple sclerosis, meningitis, recent stroke) or endocrine disorders (uncontrolled thyroid disorders, growth hormone disorders, adrenal gland disorders, uncontrolled diabetes - A1C greater than 9%). * Food allergy to study foods * Any allergy to melon * Any allergy to the isocaloric snack (gluten) * Regular consumption of watermelon greater than 2 servings / week * Current heavy alcohol use (≥ 15 drinks / week for men, ≥ 8 drinks / week for women * Class 3 Obesity (BMI \> 40 kg/m2) * Current user of Citrulline, Arginine, Nitric Oxide or other supplements known to affect nitric oxide synthesis (beet root juice or any beet supplement, Pycnogenol / Pine bark extract) * Known to be currently pregnant (self-disclosed)
Where it's running
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Florida State University - Gut Biome Lab
Tallahassee, Florida, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ravinder Nagpal, PhD — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Ravinder Nagpal, PhD
- Email: rnagpal@fsu.edu
- Phone: 850-644-1829
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.