Blueberries for Weight Loss

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: San Diego State University

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The objective is to complete a two-phase study to assess how wild blueberries impact regulation of appetite of overweight and obese men and women as well as to determine if wild blueberries can promote more effective weight loss than an isocaloric control. For phase I, the acute effects of consuming 1-cup of frozen wild blueberries mixed into ¾ C of low-fat yogurt will be compared to consuming an isocaloric serving of yogurt mixed with an artificially flavored and colored blueberry syrup. During acute testing, subjective ratings of appetite, glucose metabolism, and appetite-regulating hormones will be assessed. Phase II will consist of an 8-week feeding trial in which the same subjects will consume daily servings of yogurt mixed with either frozen wild blueberries or placebo syrup along with intensive counseling for weight loss. The hypothesis is that wild blueberries will reduce hunger by regulating appetite hormones and promoting beneficial glycemic and insulinemic responses and that daily consumption of wild blueberries will translate to improved adherence to a weight loss regimen and therefore greater weight and fat loss. Secondary aims for Phase II of this project will include exploring the impacts of blueberry consumption during weight loss on antioxidant status, inflammatory markers, blood lipid profiles, glucose status, dietary intake, physical activity and blood pressure.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for overweight or obese men and women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25-40. It's designed to see if wild blueberries help control appetite and support weight loss when mixed into yogurt, compared to a placebo syrup.

Inclusion Criteria

* Overweight or Obese (BMI 25-40)

Treatment Details

The study tests the effects of wild blueberries on appetite regulation and weight loss over two phases: an initial phase assessing immediate impacts on hunger, glucose metabolism, and hormones; followed by an 8-week period where participants eat the yogurt daily while receiving weight loss counseling.

4Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Blueberries-Phase IIExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

1 C frozen wild blueberries along with ¾ C low-fat Mountain High yogurt (total energy intake=170 kcal) along with a) dietary intervention, b) daily text messaging, and c) daily at-home weighing with a WiFi-enabled scale

Group II: Blueberries-Phase IExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

feeding will consist of 1 C frozen wild blueberries along with ¾ C low-fat Mountain High yogurt (total energy intake=170 kcal)

Group III: Syrup-Phase IPlacebo Group1 Intervention

feeding will consist of an isocaloric feeding of ¾ C yogurt mixed with artificially flavored and colored blueberry syrup (Torani)

Group IV: Syrup-Phase IIPlacebo Group1 Intervention

isocaloric feeding of ¾ C yogurt mixed with artificially flavored and colored blueberry syrup (Torani) along with a) dietary intervention, b) daily text messaging, and c) daily at-home weighing with a WiFi-enabled scale