Metabolic Effects of Short-term Ultra-processed Food Intake (MEST-UPF)
Metabolic Effects of Short-term Ultra-processed Food Intake (MEST-UPF): a Randomized Controlled Trial
Göteborg University
24 participants
Dec 1, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- 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 Criteria11
- Food allergies, intolerances or preferences preventing consumption of any products included in the study.
- 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.
- Blood donation or participation in a clinical study with blood sampling within 30 days prior to screening visit and throughout 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.
- Current smoking, vaping.
- Following any weight reduction program or having followed one during the last 6 months prior to screening.
- Not habitually eating breakfast (\<5 times/week).
- Restrained eating based on the three-factor eating questionnaire.
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Interventions
Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food
Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food
Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food
Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food
Locations(1)
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NCT07213245