Effects of Pistachio Snacking on Metabolic Flexibility in Healthy Overweight and Obese Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how eating pistachio snacks affects metabolic flexibility, which is the body's ability to switch between burning fats and carbohydrates at rest, during exercise, and after exercise. This study focuses on healthy adults who are overweight or obese, aged 25 to 45 years. It also looks at secondary effects on diet quality, sleep patterns, physical activity, and hormone health in women. Participants will follow two different eating periods in random order: four days of pistachio snacking and four days of their usual diet without pistachios. During the pistachio period, snacks are eaten mid-morning, mid-afternoon, before sleep, and after exercise. The control period involves maintaining normal eating habits without pistachios. Researchers will measure metabolism and metabolic flexibility using indirect calorimetry before and after each period. Throughout the study, participants will log their diet and wear devices to track physical activity and sleep quality, including sleep duration, quality, latency, and daytime sleepiness. Outcomes will be measured before and after each diet phase, focusing on metabolism at rest, during exercise, and after exercise, as well as dietary intake. The study is led by the University of South Carolina and plans to start in September 2025, with participation lasting about nine days including both diet periods.

Pistachio Snacking and Metabolic Flexibility