NCT07362550

Effects of 12-Week Balanced Diet on Body Composition & Metabolic Parameters in Twins

A Comparative Study of Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins: Evaluating the Effects of a 12-Week Balanced Diet Intervention on Body Composition and Metabolic Parameters.

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore - Pakistan · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Twin study in Lahore will assess genetic vs. environmental effects on diet and metabolism. Over 12 weeks, monozygotic and dizygotic twins will follow a WHO-aligned balanced diet. Body composition, metabolic markers, and adherence will be measured. Monozygotic twins are expected to show greater similarity in response, clarifying personalized nutrition strategies in Pakistan.

Detailed description

Background: Twin studies help separate genetic and environmental influences on diet and metabolic health. With rising obesity and metabolic disorders in Pakistan, there is no twin-based dietary intervention data. Filling this gap is essential for developing effective, evidence-based personalized nutrition strategies. Hypothesis: The null hypothesis states that there will be no difference in dietary response or within-pair similarity between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. The alternative hypothesis suggests that monozygotic twins will show greater similarity in diet response and that the balanced diet will significantly improve metabolic outcomes. Methodology: A 12-week randomized controlled trial will recruit Monozygotic and Dizygotic twins aged 18-60 years in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants of interventional group will follow a WHO-aligned balanced diet. Body composition, metabolic markers, and dietary adherence will be assessed at baseline and week 12. Statistical Design: Analyses will be conducted in SPSS using paired t-tests for within-pair comparisons and independent t-tests for Monozygotic vs. Dizygotic differences. Effect sizes will be calculated, with significance set at p \< 0.05. Expected Outcomes: The study is expected to show that the balanced diet improves metabolic and body composition outcomes, with monozygotic twins displaying more similar responses than dizygotic twins. These findings will clarify genetic vs. environmental effects and support more targeted nutrition recommendations in Pakistan.

Conditions

• Healthy Adults

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Balanced Diet	12-week culturally adapted WHO-aligned balanced diet emphasizing whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Macronutrient composition: 45-65% carbohydrates, 20-35% fats, 10-20% protein. Individualized based on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity. Weekly counseling and monitoring through dietary recalls and photographic diaries. This intervention aims to assess the effects of a balanced diet on body composition and metabolic parameters in monozygotic and dizygotic twins.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-17
• Primary completion: 2026-04-19
• Completion: 2026-04-25
• First posted: 2026-01-23
• Last updated: 2026-01-23

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan