Acute Metabolic Effects of Carbohydrate Restriction at Varying Energy Levels

Investigation Into the Postprandial Effects of Varying Calorie Content of Low-Carbohydrate Diets on Human Metabolic Health

This study investigates how different low-carbohydrate diets affect metabolism and hunger in overweight adults. We will measure metabolic rates and blood metabolites.

Participants will engage in three distinct eating plans: a standard diet with usual carbohydrate and calorie levels, a low-carb diet with typical calories, and a low-carb diet with reduced calories. Each diet is followed for a single day, with subsequent monitoring to assess how the body processes food and manages hunger after a meal. The goal is to understand the potential metabolic benefits of reducing carbohydrate intake, either alone or in combination with calorie reduction. This research aims to identify simpler dietary strategies that could improve heart health and assist in weight management without the need for severe calorie restriction or fasting, offering valuable insights for enhancing health outcomes in overweight individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• stable weight within ±3 kg over the past three months
• no significant medical history.

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• breastfeeding,
• using medications that could affect the study's outcomes
• high intake of caffeine and alcohol
• existing eating or psychiatric disorders
• adherence to strict dietary regimens like veganism
• high BMI resulting from significant muscle mass