Effect of a Low-carbohydrate, High-protein Energy-restricted Diet on Weight and Body Composition Using DXA

December 12, 2023 updated by: Erik Ramirez Lopez

Effect of a Low-carbohydrate, High-protein Ketogenic Diet on Weight and Body Composition: a Randomized Controlled Study

People often choose certain diets to lose weight or to change their habits or lifestyle. The Dukan diet was created in the '70s and took on importance in the last decade. It is a 4 phase diet similar to the Atkins diet. However, this diet is aggressive in its first phase because it suppresses carbohydrates, the main source of external energy being saturated low-fat protein. Studies of this diet are scarce and have been limited to describing the contribution of micronutrients. In nutritional practice, it is often assumed that a popular high-protein or low-calorie ketogenic diet could cause rapid or unfavourable changes in a patient's weight and body composition. However, the effect of these diets in the short or long term on weight and on body fat, muscle mass and other components is not clear. This means that body composition has not been the main objective when analyzing the effect of a popular diet. For this reason, the meta-analyzes focus on weight change and the absence of body composition data is a limitation of the selected studies. Changes in body composition due to a popular diet should be evaluated with techniques such as DXA. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet with energy restriction on weight and body composition using DXA. For this, a randomized controlled study will be used where a group will receive the diet protocol. The control group will have a normal diet, and only one oatmeal drink will be added (55 g of oats in 250 ml of water). The drink will contain 1.6 g of BetaG per serving according to FDA recommendations that correspond to the 50% BetaG required per day.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

The patients (n = 60) are invited through posters and social networks to recruit a group of 40 overweight subjects (20% above their ideal weight). The protocol is explained in detail to each one, and the patient and two witnesses sign the informed consent. Subjects are assigned to one of two groups: group A: high protein diet (HPD) and group B: non-high protein diet (NHPD). The NHPD is designed according to Mexican nutrition guidelines according to sex and age.

The main anthropometric and biochemical measurements and diet monitoring are performed in the body composition laboratory of the Faculty of Sports Organization (FOD). Four technicians (nutritionists) are in charge of taking the measurements and recording the data. The principal investigators review the quality of the information and the correct completion of the records. Each file will be assigned an identification number. Other nutritionists (graduate students) will be in charge of auditing the information according to the protocol guidelines. Principal Investigators will resolve any discrepancies between technicians and graduate students to ensure data recording, deletion, or reevaluation.

Each patient is asked for a prior medical examination before entering the study. The data from the external medical practitioner are compared with those provided by the patient for the present study.

The main anthropometric variables are measured with the international ISAK methodology. The DXA equipment is calibrated daily, and the result is analyzed and analyzed by a researcher who evaluates whether the measurement is reliable.

The data is recorded in printed formats that are immediately scanned to maintain readability. Later, they are recorded in an Excel sheet with the patient's identification number. In each measurement session, the database is analyzed for abnormal, extreme or unlikely data. Two independent researchers are responsible for reviewing the database every day.

Each patient is cared for by a nutrition student who accompanies him in the basic needs, clothing and transfers to the measurement equipment. At the end of the evaluation, patients receive a complimentary meal and free transportation home.

Patients are monitored through WhatsApp to verify the presence of adverse events with the diet. Also, for any questions with the procedures. All procedures are recorded in paper and electronic form. In addition, they are given an additional number in case of medical emergency or consultation with a nutritionist.

The sample size will be limited in the first stage to 30 patients. Measurements and preliminary analysis will be obtained at 0, day four and day fifteen. The last two measurements will be taken on day 42 and until the subjects reach their ideal body weight.

In the case of missing data or defective quality record, subjects will be removed.

Regarding the statistical analysis, multiple linear regression will be used, where the groups and measurements will be compared on the different measurement days. As covariates, covariates will be incorporated as initial values, age, sex, BMI, among others, will be adjusted. Descriptive statistics will be added.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
150

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Mexico
    • N.l.
      • Monterrey, N.l., Mexico, 64460
        • Facultad de Organización Deportiva, FOD, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

20 years to 33 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • individuals between the ages of 20 and 30
  • who were not currently consuming any drugs or were on diet or exercise treatment.
  • patients must have 120% or more of the ideal weight until a BMI of 35.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • with no cardiovascular disease, kidney, intestinal or liver disease.
  • cholesterol (≥ 200 mg/dL)
  • high triglycerides (≥ 150mg/dL)
  • glucose (≥ 126mg /dL)

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: High Protein Diet Group
The high protein diet (HPD) group is instructed to follow a low carbohydrate, high protein ketogenic diet.
Other: High Protein Diet Group
The high protein diet (HPD) group is instructed to follow a low carbohydrate, high protein ketogenic diet. This diet has 4 phases, two of weight loss until reaching the ideal weight (attack and cruise) and two of maintenance (consolidation and stabilization). During the first 2 phases, it allows 100 foods (28 vegetables). The first phase lasts 3-10 days and 72 high-protein, low-fat foods are allowed. In the second phase, there are alternate days between consuming the low glycemic index vegetables plus protein and the next day with just protein. The first two phases are ad libitum. Phase 3 (consolidation) aims to avoid rebound and begins the introduction of complex carbohydrates and legumes in individual servings. In phase 4 (stabilization), the subject returns to a free diet. However, three basic rules are introduced: protein one day a week, the exercise of at least 20 min/day (optional) and consumption of 3 tablespoons of oat bran/day.
Active Comparator: No High Protein Diet Group
No high protein diet (NHPD) group received an oat beverage consisted of 55 g of oats in 250 ml of water.
Other: No High Protein Diet Group
No high protein diet (NHPD) group received an oat beverage consisted of 55 g of oats in 250 ml of water. Beverage contained 1.6 g of betaG per portion according to FDA recommendations corresponding to 50 % of betaG required per day. Weekly bags containing oat mixture were provided on day 0 and in the third week of the trial. No additional instructions about diet, exercise program or pharmacological treatment was implemented.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Body fat
Time Frame: Baseline to three months.
Body fat measurements by DXA
Baseline to three months.
Lean mass
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Lean mass measurements by DXA
Baseline to three months
Weight lost
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Weight lost through the various phases
Baseline to three months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Body water
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Body water changes measured by bioelectrical impedance
Baseline to three months
Resting energy expenditure
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Energy expenditure measure by calorimetry.
Baseline to three months
Caloric and macronutrient intake
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Energy and macronutrient distribution intake. To estimate the nutrient intake is used as a weighted dietary record. Each individual weighs the items on a scale before and after consumption by three consecutive days. Scales has a precision of 1 g. The persons record all the food and beverages consumed, including ingredients, preparation method, and quantity of the food consumed and not consumed. We proportionate all the instruction and description for the individual before assigning the task to record. This procedure ensures the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. Records are processed with the software DietOrganizer (R) to obtain caloric and macronutrient intake.
Baseline to three months
Serum fasting triglycerides
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Serum fasting triglicerides are taken after 9 to 12 h, milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Baseline to three months
Serum fasting glucose
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Serum fasting glucose is taken after 9 to 12 h, milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Baseline to three months
Serum fasting total cholesterol
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Serum total cholesterol is taken after 9 to 12 h, milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Baseline to three months
Serum fasting HDL cholesterol
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Serum total cholesterol is taken after 9 to 12 h, milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Baseline to three months
Serum fasting albumin
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Serum total cholesterol is taken after 9 to 12 h, grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Baseline to three months
Serum fasting total protein
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Serum total cholesterol is taken after 9 to 12 h, grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Baseline to three months
Serum fasting total hemoglobin
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Serum total cholesterol is taken after 9 to 12 h, grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Baseline to three months
hand strenght with a dynamometer
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
Hand strength is measured with a standardized protocol using a chair. A digital dynamometer is employed, and units are expressed as kg.
Baseline to three months
triceps skinfold with a plicometer
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
triceps skinfold is measured with a plicometer and the units are expresed as mm
Baseline to three months
waist perimeter
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
waist perimeter is measured with a measuring tape and units are expresed as cm
Baseline to three months
mid-arm perimeter
Time Frame: Baseline to three months
mid arm perimeter is measured with a measuring tape and units are expresed as cm
Baseline to three months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Erik Ramirez Lopez

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
January 13, 2020

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
May 9, 2020

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
July 30, 2021

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
November 13, 2020

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
November 23, 2020

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
November 30, 2020

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimated)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
December 19, 2023

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
December 12, 2023

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
December 1, 2023

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • erik2020DUKAN
  • REPRIN-FOD-76 (Other Identifier: Assigned by the Faculty of Sports Organization)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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