Effect Of Whole or Skimmed Milk Greek Yogurt on Integrated Muscle Protein Synthesis, Glucose Homeostasis, and Cognition in Post-Menopausal Women

Effect Of Whole or Skimmed Milk Greek Yogurt on Integrated Muscle Protein Synthesis, Glucose Homeostasis, And Cognition in Post-Menopausal Women

The study will examine the impact of adding two servings per day of skimmed or whole milk Greek yogurt on integrated muscle protein synthesis (iMPS), blood sugar control, and cognition in post-menopausal women with overweight and obesity.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 50 to 65 years

2. Body mass index ≥25 to <40 kg/m2 or body fat ≥36%

3. Able to provide informed consent

4. Absence of menstruation for ≥12 months without the use of hormonal contraceptives, or one of the following:

   • Another medical cause of menopause e.g., history of bilateral oophorectomy
   • Clinician-confirmed menopausal status for those with hysterectomy and retained/unknown ovaries
   • Partial/total hysterectomy ≥12 months ago and current age ≥55 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Allergy or intolerance to dairy products (other allergies or intolerances may be excluded if they are not compatible with the study meals and how they are prepared)
2. Conditions, medications, or recent changes in medications that cause participants to be metabolically unstable (e.g., renal, cardiovascular, thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome, type-1 and type-2 diabetes)
3. Gastric bypass/bariatric surgery in the previous 5 years
4. Pregnancy or nursing in the prior 12 months
5. Weight loss or gain >5 kg in the last two months
6. Unable or unwilling to suspend use of blood thinning medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the duration of the study
7. Unwilling to abstain from vigorous exercise for the study period
8. Does not or will not eat all foods on the standardized diet (e.g., allergies, intolerances, or taste preferences)
9. Participants may be excluded at the Principal Investigator's discretion if their health or body composition is not compatible with the required study procedures