Identifying Wearable Biomarkers to Monitor Dietary Intake
This research aims to find better ways to track what people eat than traditional methods like food diaries, which can be inaccurate. We're investigating if wearable devices can spot tiny body changes after eating, like skin temperature or pulse, that show how much someone has eaten. Healthy volunteers will have two short visits, consuming a high and low-calorie meal. We'll use special monitors and take a few blood samples to see if changes in their body's response are linked to the meal size. The goal is to develop an easy, accurate way to measure diet using technology in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine being able to accurately track your diet without writing down every single bite. That's what this study is exploring! Currently, understanding exactly what and how much people eat is quite difficult, as methods like food diaries often rely on people remembering everything accurately, and we all know how tricky that can be. This can lead to wrong information in health research.
This project wants to find new, more reliable ways to measure what you eat. The idea is that when we eat, our bodies undergo small, natural changes – for example, your skin temperature might shift, or your pulse might speed up slightly. We're interested in whether these subtle body responses, picked up by wearable devices like smartwatches, could tell us things like how big a meal was, or how quickly it was eaten. If successful, this could pave the way for smart, effortless diet tracking in the future.
By carefully observing these changes after different types of meals, researchers hope to discover clear patterns. This could eventually lead to new, non-invasive tools that give us a much clearer picture of our eating habits, helping both individuals and health professionals better understand diet and health.
Key takeaways
- New study to find better ways to track what people eat.
- Uses wearable sensors to detect body changes after meals.
- Involves two short visits, eating specific high/low calorie meals.
- A few blood samples will be taken to measure body's response.
- Aims to develop future technology for easy diet assessment.
Who may be eligible?
The study is looking for around ten healthy people, both men and women, to take part. You need to be between 18 and 65 years old and have a body mass index (BMI) within the healthy-to-overweight range (between 18 and 30). You should also be able to understand the study information and be happy to give your written consent to participate.
There are certain reasons why someone might not be able to join. These include having long-term health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or eating disorders. You also can't take part if you're currently in another research study or have donated blood in the last three months.
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 65 years old?
- Is your BMI roughly between 18 and 30?
- Do you not have any ongoing serious health conditions?
- Are you able to comfortably attend two short visits in London?
- Have you not been part of another research study or donated blood recently?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you'll have two short visits, each lasting about two hours, at the NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility in London. During each visit, you'll be given a meal – one will be high in calories, and the other low in calories. The order in which you receive these meals will be decided randomly, like drawing lots.
While you're eating and for a short time afterwards, we'll watch how your body responds using a monitor next to your bed and some comfortable, non-invasive sensors worn on your skin – these might look like stickers or bracelets. We'll also take a few small blood samples at specific times, starting just before the meal and for about an hour afterwards. In total, about 25ml of blood (about two tablespoons) will be taken during each visit.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- NIHR Imperial College London Clinical Research FacilityVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What will I have to eat in the study?
You'll be given two different meals on separate visits: one that's higher in calories and one that's lower in calories. These are designed by nutrition experts.
Will I have to wear anything special?
Yes, during the study visits, you'll wear some small, comfortable sensors on your skin. These are non-invasive, meaning they don't go inside your body, and will help monitor your body's changes.
How many times will I have to give blood?
During each of your two visits, blood samples will be taken a few times, for about an hour after you eat. In total, about two tablespoons of blood will be taken per visit.
Where does the study take place?
The study visits will be at the NIHR Imperial Clinical Research Facility in London.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, absolutely. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason.
How to find out more
Mingzhu Cai, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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