Monitoring metabolism at home for weight management
Feasibility and Acceptability of 6-week Repeated Measures of Resting Metabolic Rate Using a Portable Indirect Calorimeter
This study is testing whether a portable device can help healthy adults, with and without obesity, track their metabolism at home to see if it helps them manage their weight better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06467578 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of using a portable device to measure resting metabolic rate (RMR) in healthy adults with and without obesity. Participants will engage in a 6-week program where they will take repeated at-home measurements of their metabolism. The study aims to explore the relationship between adherence to the measurement protocol and satisfaction with the process, alongside dietary and exercise behaviors. Participants will attend two in-person visits for baseline and follow-up assessments, including body weight and RMR measurements using two different devices.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 19-65 with a BMI over 18.5 who live within a 1-hour radius of UBCO and are either sedentary or recreationally active.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently pregnant or lactating, or those who engage in high levels of exercise may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective weight management strategies for individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of portable devices for metabolic measurement is gaining interest, this specific approach to personalizing weight management through RMR monitoring is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 19-65 years * Ability to read, understand, and speak in English * BMI over 18.5 * Live within a 1-hour radius of UBCO * Sedentary or recreationally active, defined as: \<300-minutes per week of self-reported voluntary exercise at moderate intensity or greater over the past 12-weeks * Not currently pregnant or lactating, not planning to become pregnant in the next 12 weeks * Ability to attend two in-person sessions at UBCO * Ability and willingness to fast for 12 hours before each study day visit and at least once a week before completing RMR measures using the portable indirect calorimeter * Access to a mobile device (i.e., smartphone or tablet) with reliable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection for the 6 week study duration * If applicable: * For people who occasionally (i.e., \<1x/day) use cannabis (including cannabidiol-based products): ability and willingness to abstain from cannabis for two days prior to each study day visit, and the morning of each study visit. * For people who use cannabis daily: ability and willingness to continue to use the exact same amount of cannabis as they normally use for two days prior to each study day visit, the morning of each study visit (if applicable), and during the 6 week study duration. Exclusion Criteria: * Current or previous major comorbidities, by self-report, including: * Cardiovascular disease * Diabetes (type 1, type 2, pervious gestational) * Cancer * Thyroid diseases * Human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B or C * Renal diseases * Polycystic ovary syndrome * Uncontrolled/untreated, by self-report: * Hypertension * Dyslipidemia * Sleep disorders * Severe depression * Any other condition that may affect energy balance * Currently or in the past six months: * Use of regular medication that may affect energy balance, or sleep * Regular use of tobacco or nicotine products * Starting any new prescription medication within two weeks of the first study day visit or planning to do so during the study * Working night shifts or traveling across more than two time zones within two weeks of and throughout the study * History of surgical procedure for weight loss at any time (e.g., gastroplasty, gastric bypass, gastrectomy or partial gastrectomy, adjustable banding, gastric sleeve); history of extensive bowel resection for other reasons * Current alcohol or substance abuse (score ≥ 15 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) 32 * Current or past history of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder (self-report or score \>20 on the Eating Attitudes Test - 26 (EATS-26) questionnaire) 33 * Current symptoms of depression (score ≥ 10 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, 10-item version (CES-D-10))34 * Weight loss \>5kg in past 12 weeks for any reason * Weight loss of \>20 kgs in past 3 years for any reason * Degree or previous work experience (in the past 10 years) in fields highly related to energy balance (e.g., those exercise or nutrition)
Where this trial is running
Kelowna, British Columbia
- University of British Columbia - Okanagan Campus — Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sarah Purcell, PhD
- Email: sarah.purcell@ubc.ca
- Phone: 250 807 9827
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.