Tests how ultra processed food diets affect energy in the gut
Compares two diets, one with more ultra processed food, in adults with obesity or overweight.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Effects of Ultra Processed Food on Intestinal Energy Harvest
Key facts
- Where
- New York, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Columbia University Irving Medical CenterNew York, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Columbia University
- Trial code
- NCT06853288
- Record updated
- 9 October 2026
- Original description
Ultra processed food is everywhere in modern society and may contain multiple ingredients that affect the way participants' bodies store energy. Some studies have shown that eating a diet high in ultra processed foods leads to weight gain, but these foods have not been studied enough to understand why. Recently, the gut microbiome has become a potential way to measure energy balance in the human body; this is done by measuring how many calories are in the stool. The investigators propose to test a very high ultra-processed food diet where 80% of calories are coming from ultra processed food and a low ultra processed food diet where 20% of the calories are coming from ultra processed food. This study will compare stool sample energy content of the two diets.Read full original descriptionShow less
Effects of Ultra Processed Food on Intestinal Energy Harvest
Ultra processed food is everywhere in modern society and may contain multiple ingredients that affect the way participants' bodies store energy. Some studies have shown that eating a diet high in ultra processed foods leads to weight gain, but these foods have not been studied enough to understand why. Recently, the gut microbiome has become a potential way to measure energy balance in the human body; this is done by measuring how many calories are in the stool. The investigators propose to test a very high ultra-processed food diet where 80% of calories are coming from ultra processed food and a low ultra processed food diet where 20% of the calories are coming from ultra processed food. This study will compare stool sample energy content of the two diets.
Inclusion: BMI 30-40kg/m2; weight stable; able to download app and willing to use it for duration of study; does own grocery shopping; otherwise healthy.
Exclusion: history of or planned bariatric surgery; history of anti obesity medications; pregnancy.