Isoleucine Addition Treatment Effects in a Controlled Diet Study

ISOLeucine Addition Treatment Effects (ISOLATE) in a Controlled Diet Study

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether isoleucine repletion attenuates increases in insulin sensitivity typically observed when people with obesity follow a healthy, low-isoleucine diet.

Isoleucine restriction promotes insulin sensitivity in preclinical models and is a promising strategy for preventing type 2 diabetes. This project aims to identify clinical and molecular changes in skeletal muscle and adipose tissues when adults with obesity switch from a typical American style diet to a plant-based diet low in isoleucine with or without isoleucine repletion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI ≥ 30
• Meeting at least three metabolic syndrome criteria
• Follow an American style diet

Exclusion Criteria:

• Type 1 or 2 Diabetes diagnosis
• Medical condition or medication that affects insulin sensitivity, weight, or metabolism
• More than 5% weight change in 3 previous months
• Restrictive dietary pattern
• History of bariatric surgery
• Food allergy more severe than grade 1 on the CoFAR Grading Scale for Systemic Allergic Reactions, Version 3.0
• Allergy to lidocaine.