A Low Glycemic Index Diet as Prevention of the Catch-up Fat Phenomenon

The catch-up fat phenomenon is an evolutionary conserved physiological response to a starvationrefeeding cycle. It is characterized by long-term suppression of thermogenesis, reduced body protein regain and an increase in fat mass above basal level during refeeding. Clinically, it characterises weight cycling in overweight patients which is associated with increasing fat mass (visceral fat) and increased morbidity (e.g. insulin resistance, inflammation). In this project, the physiological, cellular and molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon will be investigated in humans, mice and C. elegans. It is hypothesized that refeeding a low GI (=glycemic index)- diet after weight loss prevents the catchup fat phenomenon and its sequelae. This translational research will provide comprehensive insights into the catch-up fat phenomenon as well as provide a suitable strategy of its prevention.

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Key information

Conditions

Dietary Intervention

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Institute of Human Nutrition

Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, 24105, Germany

About this study

In a human intervention study, changes in physiological, metabolic, and neuroendocrine functions in response to weight cycling will be investigated under controlled conditions in normal weight subjects. The mechanisms of the catch-up fat phenomenon are analysed starting from stable energy balance followed by overfeeding, weight loss and weight regain following weight loss (refeeding). Changes in body composition (including ectopic fat), metabolism (resting energy expenditure, substrate oxidation rates, insulin resistance) and plasma hormone concentrations will be assessed. Fat tissue probes will be used to characterise key enzymes and signalling pathways, redox status and whole genome expression. Modulation of the hormonal response to weight cycling is brought about by varying macronutrient content and glycemic index of the diets. We hypothesize that, insulin and leptin resistance are explained by increased insulin secretion during the refeeding period. Both, adaptive thermogenesis as well as insulin and leptin resistance can be ameliorated by attenuation of the increase in insulin and leptin secretion during refeeding a low GI diet after weight loss.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

normal weight (BMI 20-24 kg/m2), normal fat mass

Exclusion criteria

smoking, chronic diseases, drug intake, nutrient allergies, lactose intolerance, pacemaker, metalliferous implants

Treatment and study plan

dietary intervention by varying GI diets

Other

The human study intends to characterise the partitioning of weight gain during refeeding and to affect the catch-up fat phenomenon by the glycemic index (GI) of the diet.

Primary outcomes

Changes in body composition and energy metabolism after 3 weeks of underfeeding and 2 following weeks of refeeding

Time frame: Body composition measurement after 4 and 6 study weeks

Body composition measurement including BODPOD, QMR, BIA Energy Metabolism measurement using indirect calorimetry

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Kiel

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Ätiologie, Pathophysiologie Und Prävention Einer überschießenden Körperfettzunahme Nach Gewichtsreduktion - Vermeidung Des JoJo-Effektes in Der Behandlung Von Übergewicht

Important dates

Study start: 2011
Primary completion: 2012
Study completion: 2012
First posted: Nov 29, 2012
Registry last updated: Nov 30, 2012

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed