RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Drivers and Barriers for Adopting Healthy and Sustainable Food Swaps in Young

This study focuses on young adults (18-30) and how they can change their eating habits by swapping red meat for more environmentally friendly options like fish or plant-based foods. We want to understand what encourages or stops people from making these 'food swaps'. The aim is to see if making these changes improves general health markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Scientists believe that eating healthier and more sustainably is crucial for both our health and the planet. This research will help create better, more personal advice for people who want to improve their diet, taking into account individual differences and everyday challenges.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

09 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2027

Diet Modification Sustainable Food Consumption

What is this study about?

This research study is all about helping young adults (aged 18-30) eat in a way that's good for both their health and the environment. We know that what we eat has a huge impact on our bodies and the planet. Many of us want to be healthier and more sustainable, but it can be tricky to know where to start or how to stick with new eating habits. This study focuses on a simple idea: swapping some of the red meat in your diet for options like fish or plant-based foods.

We're trying to understand what makes these 'food swaps' easy or difficult for individuals. This includes looking at things like personal preferences, daily routines, emotions around food, and even how our bodies react. By doing this, we hope to find out which approaches work best for different people. The study also aims to see if making these changes for about eight weeks can lead to improvements in common health markers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.

Ultimately, the goal is to gather information that will help scientists and health professionals give more personalised and effective advice in the future. This way, if you want to make healthier, more sustainable food choices, the advice you receive will be better tailored to your life and what truly works for you, rather than a 'one-size-fits-all' approach.

Key takeaways

Young adults aged 18-30 are needed.
Focuses on swapping red meat for fish or plant-based foods.
Aims to understand what helps people stick to healthier, sustainable eating.
Checks if these swaps improve general health like blood pressure and cholesterol.
Results will help create more personalised dietary advice.
Study duration is approximately 8 weeks.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women between the ages of 18 and 30.

To join, you should currently eat a fair amount of red meat – more than 70 grams (about two good-sized portions) each day, or more than 280 grams (four good-sized portions) over four days. You also need to be interested in making your diet healthier and more sustainable, but perhaps you're finding it difficult to do so on your own.

However, you cannot take part if you already eat very little red meat (less than 70g a day), or if you are vegetarian or vegan. You also can't join if you have certain health conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol that require medication, or an untreated thyroid problem. If you have food allergies, are on a weight loss diet, or have had an eating disorder, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 30 years old?
Do you eat more than 70g of red meat daily (or 280g over 4 days)?
Are you interested in eating healthier and more sustainably?
Do you NOT have high blood pressure or cholesterol treated with medication?
Are you NOT vegetarian or vegan?
Have you NOT lost more than 5kg in the last 6 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The study involves an 8-week period where you will try making 'food swaps' by replacing some red meat with fish or plant-based foods. During this time, you'll be asked to provide information about your food choices. Throughout the study, we will monitor your general health markers such as blood pressure measurements and blood tests to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. We will also collect urine samples. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your involvement will be explained in more detail if you are interested in taking part.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer personal benefits, such as gaining insights into how different food choices affect your health and learning practical ways to eat more sustainably. While the study primarily involves dietary changes, there are generally low risks associated with swapping red meat for fish or plant-based foods. Potential minor discomfort might arise from blood tests. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen
Verified postcode
Aberdeen, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'food swap'?

A 'food swap' in this study means choosing to eat fish or plant-based foods instead of red meat.

Will I have to become vegetarian or vegan?

No, you won't be asked to become fully vegetarian or vegan. The study is about reducing red meat by swapping it for other options, not eliminating it entirely.

What kind of health markers will you check?

We'll be looking at things like your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels, and your blood sugar levels, along with other general health indicators.

How long does the study last?

The main 'food swap' part of the study lasts for 8 weeks.

Will I get help with what to eat?

The study is designed to understand what helps and hinders people making these swaps. Specific guidance will be provided if you are suitable to take part.

How to find out more

Magaly Aceves-Martins, PhD

magaly.aceves@abdn.ac.uk +441224438719 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.