The Effects of Western Diet Patterns on Plasma Inflammatory and Cardio Metabolic Health Signatures in Middle-aged Adults

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥35 and ≤60 years;
• BMI ≥25 and ≤35 kg/m2;
• Weight stable in last 3 months (Loss or gain <4%);
• Consistent physical activity levels;
• Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) ≤6.4%;
• Fasting insulin; <15 µU/mL;
• Fasting plasma glucose concentration <126 mg/dl;
• Willingness to eat the food provided in this study;
• Subjects must be able to speak and understand English to participate in this study
• Own a smartphone or other mobile device capable of downloading the Garmin Connect app.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnoses of active malignancy, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, thyroid disease or other metabolic disorders that influence metabolism;
• Evidence of impaired kidney function (Estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <44 mL/min;
• Regular use of medication that interferes with the measurement of study outcomes as determined by the study team (e.g., NSAIDs, corticosteroids);
• Consuming >14 drinks per week of >4 drinks per night twice/week for male; >7 drinks per week or >3 drinks per night twice/week for female;
• Use of cigarettes (or other tobacco products) or use of any other (recreational) drug in last 3 months;
• Engaged in high-level competitive exercise (e.g., marathons, triathlons, cycling, weight-lifting competitions etc.)
• Self-reported sleep duration <5 hours per night;
• Any inflammatory diseases (e.g. asthma, autoimmune diseases, coeliac disease, glomerulonephritis, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis);
• Use of antibiotics in last 30 days;
• Pregnant or lactating women;
• Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorders etc.)
• Psychological disorders (e.g., clinical depression, bipolar disorders etc.);
• Strict dietary patterns (e.g., vegan, carnivore, kosher, low-carb etc.);
• History of stomach or bowel resection (other than appendectomy), gastric bypass or other bariatric weight loss procedure effecting absorption;
• Persons who are not able to grant voluntary informed consent;
• Persons who are unable or unwilling to follow the study protocol or who, for any reason, the research team considers not an appropriate candidate for this study, including non-compliance with screening appointments or study visits.