Twin study in Lahore will assess genetic vs. environmental effects on diet and metabolism. Over 12 weeks, monozygotic and dizygotic twins will follow a WHO-aligned balanced diet. Body composition, metabolic markers, and adherence will be measured. Monozygotic twins are expected to show greater similarity in response, clarifying personalized nutrition strategies in Pakistan.
Male or female twins aged 18-60 years.
Confirmed zygosity (MZ or DZ) based on a validated twin zygosity questionnaire.
Both twins willing to participate for the entire intervention period.
Free from chronic diseases requiring specialized diets (e.g., type 1 diabetes, celiac disease).
Pregnant or lactating women.
Use of lipid-lowering, glucose-lowering, or weight-loss medications in the past 3 months.
Major gastrointestinal disorders or conditions affecting nutrient absorption.
Unwillingness to follow individualized dietary counseling or complete study assessments.
Parallel
Balanced Diet
Other intervention12-week culturally adapted WHO-aligned balanced diet emphasizing whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Macronutrient composition: 45-65% carbohydrates, 20-35% fats, 10-20% protein. Individualized based on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity. Weekly counseling and monitoring through dietary recalls and photographic diaries. This intervention aims to assess the effects of a balanced diet on body composition and metabolic parameters in monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
Change in Body Fat Percentage (%)
Change in total body fat percentage measured using the InBody analyzer to assess the effect of a 12-week balanced diet intervention.
Change in Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)
Change in fasting plasma glucose concentration measured to assess the metabolic effect of the 12-week balanced diet intervention. Unit: mg/dL Tool: Venous blood sample, enzymatic laboratory method
Change in Lipid Profile (mg/dL)
Change in fasting serum lipid concentrations measured to assess metabolic response to the 12-week balanced diet intervention. Includes: Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C, mg/dL) High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C, mg/dL) Triglycerides (mg/dL) Unit: mg/dL Tool: Venous blood sample, standard enzymatic laboratory methods
To compare within-pair similarity of Dietary Response
To compare the within-pair similarity of diet response between Monozygotic (MZ) and Dizygotic (DZ) twins, allowing estimation of genetic versus environmental contributions to dietary effects.
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