Comparing Men and Womens Metabolic Response to a High-Fat Meal in Healthy Young Adults

What This Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how men and women metabolize a high-fat meal differently, focusing on the immediate hours after eating. This study aims to understand sex differences in glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as energy use, by comparing healthy young adults aged 18 to 35. The study is motivated by the observation that women often have better protection against insulin resistance from high-fat diets, but the reasons for this are not fully understood. Participants will consume a single high-fat breakfast meal containing 846 kcal with 58% fat, designed to mimic a typical fast-food breakfast. The study includes two main visits after an initial screening one for baseline assessments like body composition and another for the nutrition intervention where the meal is consumed. During the nutrition visit, blood samples and resting oxygen uptake measurements will be collected over four hours post-meal to analyze glucose metabolism and energy expenditure. Participants will attend three visits in total, beginning with screening to confirm eligibility, including measurements like body mass, height, and blood pressure. They will complete health questionnaires and keep a 3-day food diary and activity monitor between visits. The study measures blood insulin, glucose, c-peptide, glucagon, triglycerides, cholesterol, fatty acids, and energy use over time. Safety and adherence are monitored throughout, and the total participation lasts several weeks.

Sex Differences in Metabolism Following a High-fat Meal