Tests how ultra-processed food affects appetite and metabolism
Compares short-term effects of ultra-processed and less processed meals on appetite in adults.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Metabolic Effects of Short-term Ultra-processed Food Intake (MEST-UPF)
Key facts
- Where
- Gothenburg, SwedenSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 50 years old?
Source: NCT07213245, who can take part
Where in Sweden
- Department of internal medicine and clinical nutrition, University olf GothenburgGothenburg, SwedenTaking 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
- Göteborg University
- Trial code
- NCT07213245
- Record updated
- 9 September 2026
- Original description
The overall aim of this project is to study the effects of short-term high ultra-processed food intake, compared to nutrient- and energy density matched low ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, on energy intake and appetite.Read full original descriptionShow less
Metabolic Effects of Short-term Ultra-processed Food Intake (MEST-UPF): a Randomized Controlled Trial
The overall aim of this project is to study the effects of short-term high ultra-processed food intake, compared to nutrient- and energy density matched low ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, on energy intake and appetite.
A total of 24 men and women who meet all inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will be invited to participate. A randomized 2*2 factorial four-way crossover study will be conducted at the Department of Internal medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Gothenburg, comparing a high-UPF meal to a low-UPF meal also with high and/or low energy density. A supervised breakfast meal will be served, and postprandial blood samples and appetite measures will be collected continuously up to 4 hours after the breakfast meal. Subsequently, an ad libitum lunch meal will be served, and energy intake will be recorded.
Inclusion: Body mass index (BMI) 18.5-30 kg/m2; Fasting glucose < 6.1 mmol/l; Hb >110 g/L; Weight stability the last 3 months +/-5%.
Exclusion: Blood donation or participation in a clinical study with blood sampling within 30 days prior to screening visit and throughout the study; Following any weight reduction program or having followed one during the last 6 months prior to screening; Food allergies, intolerances or preferences preventing consumption of any products included in the study; History of gastrointestinal conditions or major gastrointestinal surgery (Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, malabsorption, colostomy, bowel resection, gastric bypass surgery etc.); Type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes; Thyroid disorder; Unable to sufficiently understand written and spoken Swedish or English to provide written consent and understand information and instructions from the study personal; Pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy during the study period; Current smoking, vaping; Not habitually eating breakfast (<5 times/week); Restrained eating based on the three-factor eating questionnaire.