NCT06949280

Metabolic Health, Bones and Nuts During Weight Loss in Adults

Metabolic Health, Bones and Nuts Sources of Fatty Acids During Weight Loss in Adults

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 44 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The aging population is rapidly increasing, and it is important to identify dietary factors that can prevent disease and promote health in this group. Legumes, such as peanuts, are a plant-based food high in protein and unsaturated fat making this a healthy choice but are not consumed frequently enough in older adults. Studies have shown that regular nut consumption is associated with lower adiposity and reduced weight gain, and several dietary pattern studies indicate that nuts and legumes are associated with better bone health. In addition, our preliminary translational data indicates that a higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake is associated with improved bone mineral density (BMD) and quality. Given these findings, the proposed study aims to examine the impact of consuming peanut products on bone health, metabolic health (e.g., serum glucose, insulin, lipids and inflammation), markers of brain and sleep health, and physical function in overweight and obese older adults before and after a six-month weight loss intervention using a randomized controlled design. The results of this study have the potential to provide valuable insights into the role of peanuts as a sources of fatty acids in promoting health and preventing disease in at-risk adults.

Detailed description

The aging population is rapidly increasing, and it is important to identify dietary factors that can prevent disease and promote health in this group. Legumes, such as peanuts, are a plant-based food high in protein and unsaturated fat making this a healthy choice but are not consumed frequently enough in older adults. Studies have shown that regular nut consumption is associated with lower adiposity and reduced weight gain, and several dietary pattern studies indicate that nuts and legumes are associated with better bone health. In addition, our preliminary translational data indicates that a higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake is associated with improved bone mineral density (BMD) and quality. Given these findings, the proposed study aims to examine the impact of consuming peanut products on bone health, metabolic health (e.g., serum glucose, insulin, lipids and inflammation), markers of brain and sleep health, and physical function in overweight and obese older adults before and after a six-month weight loss intervention using a randomized controlled design. The results of this study have the potential to provide valuable insights into the role of peanuts as a sources of fatty acids in promoting health and preventing disease in at-risk adults. Specific Aims 1. To determine whether consuming peanuts daily compared to a control group (no nuts) during lifestyle intervention has a differential effect on bone mineral density in older adults who are overweight or obese. 2. To determine the temporal change in bone turnover biomarkers and bone regulating hormones during weight loss in the diet in older adults with overweight or obesity. Exploratory outcomes will examine metabolic biomarkers (serum glucose, insulin, lipid levels), and other markers of brain and sleep health and physical function.

Conditions

• Weight Loss
• Bone Density
• Obesity and Overweight

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Peanut Snack Experimental	Subjects will receive a daily peanut snack and nutrition education-behavior modification instructions for weight loss
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Nut-free Snack	Subjects will receive a daily peanut snack and nutrition education-behavior modification instructions for weight loss

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-05-01
• Primary completion: 2027-12-31
• Completion: 2027-12-31
• First posted: 2025-04-29
• Last updated: 2025-04-29

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States