Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Reducing Free Sugar Intakes: A Role for Sweet Taste II

This research wants to find the best way to help people in the UK reduce the amount of 'free sugar' they eat. Free sugars are those added to foods and drinks, or found naturally in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. The study will give 150 adults, aged 18-65, who currently eat a bit too much sugar, one of three types of healthy eating advice. This advice will focus on replacing sugary foods with other options. Researchers will then see which approach is most effective in helping people cut down their sugar intake over four weeks. They will also look at how this impacts weight, food preferences, and overall diet.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Bournemouth University

Enrolment target

150

Start

01 Jul 2023

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2025

Dietary Behaviour

What is this study about?

This research project, called 'Reducing Free Sugar Intakes: A Role for Sweet Taste II', is focusing on how different healthy eating strategies can help people eat less 'free sugar'. Free sugars are the kinds of sugars often added to foods and drinks, like those in biscuits, cakes, fizzy drinks, and sweets. These are also found in honey, syrups, and fruit juices. Currently, many people in the UK eat more free sugar than is recommended for good health.

The study aims to understand the most effective ways to help people reduce their free sugar intake to a healthier level. It will do this by giving participants one of three different types of dietary advice about replacing sugary foods. One group might be advised to replace sugary items with low-sugar foods that still taste sweet, another with low-sugar foods that have other strong flavours, and a third with low-sugar foods that don't have a strong taste. By comparing these approaches, researchers hope to discover which method is most successful in helping people change their eating habits.

Ultimately, the findings from this study could help health professionals develop better and more practical advice for everyone in the UK who wants to reduce their sugar intake. This is really important for promoting better health and well-being across the population. The insights gained could contribute to public health campaigns and dietary guidelines.

Key takeaways

Aims to find best ways to help people reduce 'free sugar' intake.
Compares three different types of healthy eating advice.
No medication, focuses on dietary changes.
Study lasts for four weeks.
Recruiting adults aged 18-65 in the South of England.
Could help improve future public health advice on sugar.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged between 18 and 65 years old. To take part, you would need to be currently getting more than 5% of your daily energy from 'free sugars' – this means you're eating more added sugars or sugars from things like honey or fruit juice than is recommended. You also need to live in the South of England and be able to visit Bournemouth University for appointments.

However, some people will not be able to join the study. This includes if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you are underweight (with a BMI below 18.5), or if you have certain health conditions like diabetes, eating disorders, or Crohn's disease, especially if these mean you're already getting special dietary advice.

You also can't take part if you have medical conditions that affect your swallowing, taste, or smell, or if you are currently following a specific diet programme like Slimming World. Finally, smokers or those who have smoked in the last three months are not eligible.

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 aged between 18 and 65 years old?
Do you feel you eat more 'free sugar' than you should?
Do you live in the South of England and can easily get to Bournemouth University?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have medical conditions like diabetes, eating disorders, or issues affecting taste/swallowing?
Are you not currently following a specific diet plan like Slimming World, or have you not smoked in the last 3 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be asked to try and reduce your intake of 'free sugars' to a healthy level. To help you do this, you will receive one of three different types of dietary advice about how to replace foods that are high in sugar. These will be identified specifically for you. The main part of the study will last for four weeks.

Throughout the study, your sugar intake will be monitored, and researchers will also look at other things like your weight (BMI), overall eating habits, how much you like sweet tastes, and how well you stick to the advice. You will need to attend appointments at Bournemouth University for these assessments. You won't be given any medication, and there won't be any long-term follow-up after the initial four weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help you explore different ways to reduce your sugar intake, which may lead to a healthier diet and potentially positive impacts on your weight and overall well-being. However, there are no direct medical benefits guaranteed for individual participants, as the main goal is to gather information for future public health advice. The risks involved are minimal, primarily related to the time commitment for appointments and potentially finding it challenging to adjust your dietary habits. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without needing to explain why, and this will not affect any medical care you receive in the future.

Locations (1)

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

Bournemouth University
Verified postcode
Bournemouth, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are 'free sugars'?

Free sugars are sugars added to foods and drinks by manufacturers, cooks, or consumers, plus sugars naturally present in honey, syrups, and unsweetened fruit juices. They are different from sugars found naturally in milk and whole fruits.

What will I have to do if I join the study?

You will try to reduce your sugar intake following specific dietary advice given to you, and attend appointments at Bournemouth University over a four-week period for dietary and health checks.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses purely on dietary advice and changes in eating habits.

How long will the study last for me?

Your participation in the study will last for a total of four weeks.

Who is running this study?

This study is a randomised controlled trial being conducted by researchers to understand the effects of different dietary advice on sugar intake.