During the black pepper study day, subjects consumed 1.5g of black pepper (0.5g/meal) in 60.8g of vegetable juice. Black pepper was consumed was a meal on each occasion. 24-hour energy expenditure and substrate utilization will be measured.

During the no pepper control study day, subjects consumed an identical menu without black pepper. 60.8g of vegetable juice (vehicle) was consumed at each of the three study meals. 24-hour energy expenditure and substrate utilization will be measured.

Subjects spent two x 24-hour periods inside the metabolic chamber at the UNC NRI (black pepper and no pepper control) each separated by one week. Subjects were requested to arrive at the study center each morning in a fasted state (at least 10 hours). During each study day, subjects remained sedentary. All meals were provided and were tailored to each subject's specific energy requirements. Study meals (with the exception of the 1.5g of black pepper) were identical between the black pepper and no pepper control study days.

A primary outcome of this study was the 24-hour energy expenditure (measured in the metabolic chamber at the UNC NRI) following black pepper and no pepper control.

Change in gut peptide secretion 30 minutes following a meal containing black pepper compared with no pepper control.