Effect of Protein Source During Ketogenic Weight Loss Intervention

Effect of Protein Source During Ketogenic Weight Loss Intervention on Lipid Metabolism and Inflammation

This randomized, controlled, single-blinded study will investigate how the protein source in a high-protein ketogenic diet affects metabolic weight loss outcomes after a 12-week dietary intervention

This randomized, controlled, single-blinded study will compare how a ketogenic weight loss diet, supplemented with either animal- or plant-based protein affects: (i) metabolic markers (adipokine and cytokine) in adipose tissue and blood, (ii) adipose tissue immune cell profiles, and (iii) adipocyte characteristics and their interaction with other cells (e.g. immune cells and muscle cells). To better determine how tissue characteristics affect the whole body level, the relationships between adipose tissue characteristics and blood lipid and inflammatory markers will also be examined. Participants undergo anthropometric measurements, questionnaires, body composition assessment, energy assessment, blood draws, and adipose tissue biopsies from the abdominal and femoral adipose tissue depots

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults between 18-60 years old
• BMI: >29.99kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any chronic metabolic conditions (e.g. CVD)
• Renal impairment (creatinine clearance <60 mL/min)
• Uncontrolled hypothyroidism
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postmenopausal females
• Past (<6 year) or present use of nicotine products
• Use of cannabis products
• Use of any other medications that may affect study outcomes (e.g. anti-depressants)
• Participants who have had a number of CT scans in the course of the year
• Participants following a vegan diet