This study aims to characterize how individuals differ in their metabolic response to food intake, specifically focusing on early diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). DIT refers to the increase in energy expenditure that occurs after eating and reflects the body's metabolic response to processing nutrients.
Healthy adult participants will complete a single laboratory visit under standardized conditions. Resting metabolic rate will first be measured, followed by consumption of a standardized liquid meal (550 kcal). Energy expenditure will then be continuously monitored for 3 hours using indirect calorimetry.
The primary objective is to quantify inter-individual variability in early postprandial thermogenesis. Rather than estimating total daily energy expenditure, this study focuses on the early metabolic response following meal ingestion. Findings will improve understanding of differences in metabolic efficiency between individuals and support future research in metabolism and personalized nutrition.
Adults aged ≥18 years
Stable body weight (±2 kg over the previous 3 months)
Generally healthy individuals
Ability to comply with study procedures, including fasting and remaining at rest - during measurements
Use of medications known to affect metabolism (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists, systemic corticosteroids, uncontrolled thyroid disease)
Insulin-treated diabetes
Pregnancy or lactation
Acute illness at the time of testing
Single group
Standardized Liquid Meal
Other interventionConsumption of a standardized liquid meal (\~550 kcal) under controlled laboratory conditions, followed by continuous measurement of energy expenditure using indirect calorimetry for assessment of postprandial thermogenesis. The procedure is used for measurement purposes only and is not intended as a therapeutic intervention.
Early Diet-Induced Thermogenesis Area Under the Curve
Area under the curve for diet-induced thermogenesis over 180 minutes after consumption of the standardized liquid meal. DIT will be calculated as postprandial energy expenditure minus baseline resting energy expenditure and expressed as kcal/180 min.
Mean Diet-Induced Thermogenesis
Mean increase in energy expenditure above baseline resting energy expenditure during the 180-minute postprandial measurement period, expressed as kcal/min or kcal/180 min.
Peak Diet-Induced Thermogenesis
Maximum increase in energy expenditure above baseline resting energy expenditure observed during the 180-minute postprandial measurement period, expressed as kcal/min.
Time to Peak Diet-Induced Thermogenesis
From meal completion to 180 minutes post-meal
Percent Increase in Energy Expenditure Above Baseline
Percentage increase in postprandial energy expenditure above baseline resting energy expenditure during the 180-minute measurement period.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options:
