Short-term effects of ultra-processed foods on metabolism
Metabolic Effects of Short-term Ultra-processed Food Intake (MEST-UPF): a Randomized Controlled Trial
This project will test whether a short-term diet high in ultra-processed foods versus a nutrient- and energy-matched low-UPF diet changes appetite and how much adults with BMI 18.5–30 eat.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Göteborg University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gothenburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT07213245 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized 2×2 factorial four-way crossover feeding study enrolling 24 men and women at the University of Gothenburg. Participants will receive four supervised breakfasts that vary by ultra-processed food content (high vs low) and by energy density (high vs low), with each condition crossed over. Blood samples and continuous appetite measures will be collected up to four hours after each breakfast, followed by an ad libitum lunch where energy intake is recorded. The design isolates the short-term effects of UPF and energy density on postprandial metabolism, hunger, and calorie intake.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults with BMI 18.5–30 kg/m2, fasting glucose <6.1 mmol/L, hemoglobin >110 g/L, stable weight for 3 months, able to eat study foods and understand Swedish or English, who are not pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, smoking, or having major gastrointestinal disease.
Not a fit: People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, BMI >30 kg/m2, major gastrointestinal disorders or prior bariatric surgery, current smokers, pregnant or lactating individuals, or those on weight-loss programs are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could clarify how ultra-processed foods and energy density influence hunger and calorie intake, helping inform dietary guidance to reduce overeating.
How similar studies have performed: Prior controlled feeding trials have shown that ultra-processed diets can increase energy intake, so this trial builds on existing evidence by testing short-term metabolic and appetite responses with controlled energy density.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Body mass index (BMI) 18.5-30 kg/m2 * Fasting glucose \< 6.1 mmol/l * Hb \>110 g/L * Weight stability the last 3 months +/-5% Exclusion Criteria: * Food allergies, intolerances or preferences preventing consumption of any products included in the study. * Unable to sufficiently understand written and spoken Swedish or English to provide written consent and understand information and instructions from the study personal. * Pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy during the study period. * Blood donation or participation in a clinical study with blood sampling within 30 days prior to screening visit and throughout the study. * History of gastrointestinal conditions or major gastrointestinal surgery (Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, malabsorption, colostomy, bowel resection, gastric bypass surgery etc.). * Type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. * Thyroid disorder. * Current smoking, vaping. * Following any weight reduction program or having followed one during the last 6 months prior to screening. * Not habitually eating breakfast (\<5 times/week). * Restrained eating based on the three-factor eating questionnaire.
Where this trial is running
Gothenburg
- Department of internal medicine and clinical nutrition, University olf Gothenburg — Gothenburg, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Therese Karlsson, PhD — University of Gothenburg, Institute of medicine
- Study coordinator: Therese Karlsson, PhD
- Email: therese.karlsson@gu.se
- Phone: +46704089150
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.