RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Short-term Fat Overfeeding on the Effects of Liver Metabolism

Researchers are investigating how the type of fat you eat affects your liver and heart, even if your weight stays the same. The study compares two diets: one high in saturated fats and another high in unsaturated fats. Participants will follow one of these diets for 28 days. Scientists will use special scans to measure fat in the liver and around the heart, and check heart function. They will also look at how your body handles food after a test meal, both before and after the diet. This research aims to understand the link between dietary fat and heart disease risk, focusing on how your body processes fats.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

Start

15 Feb 2023

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2028

Liver Fat Cardiac Function Lipid Disorder Adiposity

What is this study about?

This study is trying to understand more about how the food we eat, especially different types of fat, affects our bodies. There's been a lot of talk about whether eating lots of saturated fat is bad for your heart. This study wants to dig deeper into that. Specifically, we'll be looking at how eating different kinds of fats changes the amount of fat in your liver and around your heart, and how well your heart works.

To do this, we're asking people to follow a special diet for about a month. This diet will be high in fat, but we'll compare two different types: one will have a lot of 'saturated' fats (like those found in butter or fatty meats), and the other will have a lot of 'unsaturated' fats (like those in olive oil or avocados). Importantly, the total amount of calories will be the same, so you won't be expected to gain or lose weight.

Before and after the diet, we'll do some tests, including special MRI scans of your liver and heart. These scans help us see the amount of fat in these areas and check your heart's health. We'll also do a 'study day' where we give you a special test meal and see how your body processes the fats and sugars afterwards. By comparing the results from the two groups, we hope to learn more about how different fats in our food impact our body's health, particularly your liver and heart.

Key takeaways

The study explores how different types of dietary fat affect your liver and heart.
You'll follow a specific high-fat diet for 28 days, designed to maintain your current weight.
MRI scans will check fat levels in your liver and heart, and heart function.
A 'study day' will assess how your body processes food after a special meal.
It's for healthy adults aged 18-65 with a stable weight.
Participation could help improve understanding of diet and health.

Who may be eligible?

We are looking for healthy men and women between 18 and 65 years old. Your body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of your weight compared to your height, should be between 19 and 35. You should also have been at a stable weight for the past three months and not currently on a weight-loss diet.

However, you won't be able to join if you have any existing health problems that affect your body's fat, sugar, or liver processes, or if you're taking any medications for such conditions. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you smoke or drink a lot of alcohol, this study isn't suitable for you. We also can't include anyone with certain metal implants, like pacemakers, due to the MRI scans, or those with severe claustrophobia.

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 weight stable, and have you not gained or lost more than 5% of your weight in the last 3 months?
Do you have a healthy BMI (between 19 and 35)?
Are you generally healthy, with no conditions affecting your fat, sugar, or liver health?
Are you able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no metal implants, not severely claustrophobic)?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding, and not a current smoker or heavy drinker?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, you'll first have some screening checks to make sure you're suitable. Once accepted, you'll be assigned to one of two high-fat diets, either rich in saturated or unsaturated fats, which you'll follow for 28 days. The study team will provide the food to ensure you're eating the correct amounts and types of fats, without gaining or losing weight. Before and after this diet period, you'll visit the clinic for assessments. These will include MRI scans to measure fat in your liver and around your heart, and to check your heart function. You'll also have a 'study day' where you'll eat a special test meal, and we'll take blood samples afterwards to see how your body handles the food. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be approximately 4-5 weeks, including the screening and follow-up visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about healthy eating and how different fats affect our bodies. This knowledge might help others in the future. As an individual, you won't immediately benefit from participating aside from monitoring your own health. Potential risks are generally low, mainly related to blood tests which might cause slight bruising, and MRI scans, which can be noisy and confined. If you experience claustrophobia, this study might not be for you. 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.

Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of food will I eat?

You'll follow a special high-fat diet for 28 days. This will either be high in saturated fats (like in some meats and dairy) or unsaturated fats (like in olive oil and nuts). The research team will provide the meals.

Will I gain weight on this diet?

No, the diet is designed to be 'eucaloric,' meaning it provides the right amount of calories to maintain your current weight, so you shouldn't gain or lose weight.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan is a safe, painless way to take detailed pictures inside your body, using strong magnets and radio waves. It doesn't involve X-rays. For this study, it will be used to look at your liver and heart.

How long will I be in the study?

After initial checks, you'll be on the diet for 28 days. Including all the visits and tests, your involvement will last about 4 to 5 weeks.

Will I get paid for taking part?

The information provided does not mention payment, but it's important to ask the research team about any reimbursement for travel or time if you are considering joining.

How to find out more

Leanne Hodson

leanne.hodson@ocdem.ox.ac.uk 01865 857224 Official trial record

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