NCT06327464Completed
Exogenous Ketones and Appetite
The Effect of Exogenous Ketones on Appetite in Adults With or Without Obesity
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 1 May 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
People with obesity have different appetitive responses to stimuli compared to people without obesity. For example, people with obesity have a blunted postprandial ghrelin ('hunger' hormone) response, lower glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide-YY (PYY; associated with satiety) compared to people without obesity. Given the favorable effects of exogenous ketones on appetite previously observed in healthy adults of normal body weight, it is possible that these supplements can alter appetite hormones in a manner that may closer match that observed in people without obesity. To explore this research question, investigators will conduct a randomized single-blind cross over study to characterize appetite and dietary intake after ingestion of an exogenous ketone supplement within adults with obesity (compared a control condition without exogenous ketones) and compared to adults without obesity. The research team will also explore differences in postprandial energy expenditure and fuel utilization. Twenty-two healthy young- and middle-aged adults will be included (up to n=26 enrolled). In addition to a baseline visit to measure body composition, participants will undergo two 4.5-hour study visits, one of which will include a ketone diol supplement and one will have a placebo. Participants will be given a 1-day run-in diet prior to each study day to support energy balance. On each study day visit, participants will undergo a resting metabolic rate test (indirect calorimetry) followed by a fasting appetite rating and blood sample collection. Participants will then be provided with a standard breakfast meal (one with the ketone supplement and one with placebo). Appetite ratings and blood sample collection will be repeated 60, 120, and 180 minutes after the meal. Indirect calorimetry will be completed after the 30, 90, and 150 minute assessments. After the 180-minute timepoint, participants will be provided with a buffet-like lunch meal with instructions to eat as much or as little as they would like to determine ad libitum dietary intake at a single meal. To assess free-living ad libitum dietary intake, participants will receive 1.5 days of food boxes tailored to their preferences, with uneaten food returned at the end of the 1.5-day period. This study will be the first to assess the impact of exogenous ketones on appetite in obesity and would help inform future weight loss intervention trials.
- Status (registry)
- Completed
- Study type
- Interventional
- Enrollment
- 26 (actual)
- First submitted
- 23 Feb 2024
- Start date
- 17 Apr 2024
- Primary completion date
- 26 Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
- University of British Columbia
- Diseases
- Obesity
- NCT number
- NCT06327464
What you commit to
- Study type: Interventional
- Participants enrolled: 26
- From 17 Apr 2024 to the primary completion date, 26 Jul 2025
- 1 site in 1 country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Prior treatment
- Current or previous major comorbidities, by self-report, including:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
- Cancer
- Thyroid diseases
- Human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis B or C
- Renal diseases
- Hepatic diseases
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Currently or in the past six months:
- Use of regular medication or supplement that may affect appetite, energy balance, or sleep
- Regular use of tobacco or nicotine products
- Starting any new prescription medication within two weeks of the first study day visit or during the study
Other illness
- Uncontrolled/untreated (self-report):
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia
- Uncontrolled Ssleep disorders (e.g., insomnia)
- Any other condition that may affect appetite and energy balance
- Food intolerances or allergies that cannot be accommodated
- History of surgical procedure for weight loss at any time (e.g., gastroplasty, gastric bypass, gastrectomy or partial gastrectomy, adjustable banding, gastric sleeve); history of extensive bowel resection for other reasons
- Current or past history of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating disorder (self-report or score \>20 on the Eating Attitudes Test - 26 \[EATS-26\] questionnaire17)
Other
- Working night shifts or traveling across more than 2 time zones within two weeks of and throughout the study
- Current alcohol or substance abuse (score \>2 on the cut down-annoyed-guilty-eye opener \[CAGE\] questionnaire16)
- Weight loss \>5% in past 12 weeks for any reason
Who the study is looking for
- Age 19-45 years
- Body mass index (BMI): 18.5 - 40.0 kg/m2
- For females: Premenopausal, with regular menstrual cycle (every 21-38 days, by self-report) OR lack of regular menstrual cycles due to oral contraceptive or intrauterine device (IUD) use
- Sedentary or recreationally active, defined as: \<300 minutes per week of voluntary exercise at moderate intensity or greater over the past 12 weeks
- Not currently pregnant or lactating, not planning to become pregnant in the next 12 weeks
- Ability and willingness to fast for 12 hours before each study day visit
- If applicable:
- For people who occasionally (i.e., \<1x/day) use cannabis (including cannabidiol-based products): ability and willingness to abstain from cannabis for two days prior to each study day visit, the day of each study visit, and during each ad libitum diet phase.
- For people who use cannabis daily: ability and willingness to continue to use the exact same amount of cannabis as they normally use for two days prior to each study day visit, the day of each study visit, and during each ad libitum diet phase.
Age in the registry: 19 years to 45 years · Sex: All · Accepts healthy volunteers
Sites (1)
Sites in registry order. Pick your city on the disease page to sort them by distance.
| Site | City | Country | Site status |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of British Columbia Okanagan Coordinator of this site? Confirm its status | Kelowna | Canada | Unknown status |
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.