Health effects of ultra-processed foods on appetite and cardiometabolic health
Official title: Health Effects of Ultra-processed Food Intake: a Randomized Crossover Feeding Study
Run by Göteborg University · NCT07634159 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a high ultra-processed food diet affects appetite and cardiometabolic health compared with a nutrient-matched low ultra-processed diet in adults who keep their weight stable.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Göteborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gothenburg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07634159 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–60 who are weight-stable, not planning weight change, and willing to follow the assigned study diets.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals not willing or able to adhere to controlled diets or with conditions excluded by the protocol may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study aims to determine the causal impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake on appetite and cardiometabolic biomarkers while participants maintain stable weight. Participants will be assigned to consume a high-UPF diet or a nutrient-m matched low-UPF diet. The study controls for total energy and macronutrient composition to isolate the effects of UPF processing. Outcomes include appetite measures and cardiometabolic health indicators. The trial is conducted at multiple Swedish institutions with a weight-stable population aged 20–60 years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could clarify how UPF consumption influences appetite and cardiometabolic health independent of weight change, informing dietary guidelines.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked UPF intake to adverse energy intake and weight changes; this study adds a controlled, weight-stable design to test causal effects.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 20-60 years * Weight stable (less than 5% weight change in the past 3 months) * No plans to change weight * Willing to eat the study diet and a mixed diet * Habitually eats breakfast, lunch and dinner * Has provided informed consent to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy or intolerance to foods included in the study. Participants with lactose intolerance treated with lactase may participate if they take enzymes. * BMI \<18.5 or \>35 kg/m² * \>8h/week of intense physical activity * Use of medications known to significantly affect appetite (e.g., oral corticosteroids, antipsychotic medications, or GLP-1 receptor agonists) * Use of lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins or PCSK9 inhibitors) * Diagnosed diabetes or capillary blood glucose at or above 12.2 mmol/L * Disease associated with malabsorption (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease) * Previous bariatric surgery * Established cardiovascular disease (heart failure, myocardial infarction, or stroke) or cancer * Pregnancy or breastfeeding, or plans to become pregnant or breastfeed during the study * Deemed likely to have poor adherence
Where it's running
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University of Gothenburg
Gothenburg, Sweden Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Linnea Bärebring, PhD, Associate professor — Göteborg University
- Study coordinator: Linnea Bärebring, PhD, Associate professor
- Email: linnea.barebring@gu.se
- Phone: 0317863771
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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.