Exploring Sex Differences in the Acute Postprandial Metabolic Response to a High-fat Mixed Macronutrient Meal Challenge in Healthy Young Humans

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how men and women metabolize a single high-fat meal differently in the hours immediately after eating. The study focuses on young healthy adults aged 18 to 35 and aims to understand why women might be less likely than men to develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes when consuming high-fat diets. This research explores differences in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as energy use after a high-fat meal, addressing gaps in knowledge about acute metabolic responses between sexes. Participants will consume a high-fat breakfast meal providing 846 calories, with 58% of calories from fat, designed to resemble a typical fast-food breakfast. The meal includes bacon, eggs, cheese, tortilla, hashbrowns, and mayonnaise. The study includes three visits: an initial screening, a baseline assessment with body composition and health measurements, and a nutrition intervention where participants eat the high-fat meal after fasting overnight. Blood samples and resting oxygen uptake measurements will be taken before and for four hours after eating to assess metabolism. During the study, participants will provide blood samples at multiple time points up to four hours after the meal to measure glucose, insulin, c-peptide, glucagon, triglycerides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Indirect calorimetry will measure energy expenditure and substrate use. Researchers will also collect food diaries and monitor physical activity. The study lasts through these visits, with detailed metabolic and physiological monitoring to better understand sex-specific responses to high-fat dietary intake.

Sex Differences in Metabolism Following a High-fat Meal