Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Obesity Pathogenesis
University of Washington
Summary
The goal of this research is to investigate genetic and environmental factors that contribute to obesity through brain inflammation. The main questions are 1) if identical twins, who differ in food consumption habits, have differences in adiposity markers and brain inflammation and 2) if signs of brain inflammation in response to a specific diet is modified by genetics.
Description
In study 1, participant twin pairs that differ in habitual diet intake, will complete an in-person study visit that includes an MRI of the brain and abdomen, body composition measurement, a blood draw and questionnaires. In study 2, a different set of participant twin pairs will complete 3 in-person study visits over 2 weeks, during which all meals will be provided by the study. Visits will include brain MRI, body composition measurements, blood draws and questionnaires.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 20–45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 20-45 years * Differs in habitual diet from co-twin (study 1). * Willing to undergo 7-day overfeeding and hypocaloric feeding periods (study 2) * Member of the Washington State Twin Registry Exclusion Criteria: * History of bariatric surgery or active participation in weight-loss program * Major medical or neurological disorder (e.g., diabetes, multiple sclerosis) * Known gallbladder disease, anemia, impaired thyroid, kidney or liver function or hypertriglyceridemia (\>350 mg/dl) (study 2) * Current use of weight-loss medications or other medications known to alter…
Interventions
- BehavioralDiet modification
Participants will be provided all meals for a 14-day period. For 7 of the days, meals will be 150% of estimated daily caloric needs and for the other 7 days, meals will be low in calories, consistent with recommendations for weight loss.
Location
- University of WashingtonSeattle, Washington