About this trial
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of pistachio snacking on metabolic flexibility (at rest, during exercise, and in post-exercise recovery) in healthy overweight and obese adults. Secondary goals include evaluating effects on changes in diet quality, sleep characteristics, physical activity, and hormonal health in women. In randomized order, participants will complete four days of pistachio snacking and four days of normal dietary habits (control). For both conditions, primary outcomes of resting substrate metabolism, metabolic flexibility during exercise, and post-exercise substrate metabolism will be measured pre-post intervention via indirect calorimetry. Secondary outcome of diet quality (kcal, carb, fat, protein) will be measured pre-post intervention via diet log. Exploratory outcomes of daily physical activity (steps, intensity), nightly sleep characteristics (quantity, quality, latency, efficiency), and daytime sleepiness and hunger.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Males and Females
Age: 25-45 years
Overweight or obese (BMI=25.0-34.9 kg/m²)
Poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ≥ 5)
Disqualifiers
Allergies to nuts, especially tree nuts
Has a pacemaker
Following a diet that is restrictive or eliminates certain food group/types
Self-repoted health or disease state that may influence study outcomes, including known metabolic or endocrine disorder (e.g. prediabetes, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome), cardiovascular diseases, neuromuscular disorders, musculoskeletal disorders; current or recent history of cancer/cancer treatment (within the past year)
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Pistachio
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
University of South Carolina
Lead sponsor
American Pistachio Growers
Collaborator