Dr. Elliot Jesch, in the Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences department, is making appointment for individuals willing to participate in a diet and exercise study this spring semester at Clemson. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of diet and exercise in healthy females over eight weeks. Researchers will examine changes in energy expenditure, body composition, blood biomarkers (e.g., insulin, cholesterol), strength and aerobic fitness.
Participation criteria
To participate, individuals who meet the health criteria will be:
-Females between the ages of 20-35 years
-Are not pregnant, trying to become pregnant or lactating
-Do not smoke cigarettes
-Do not have any previous experience with resistance training (within the last 3 months)
-Have not been on a diet in the last three months
-Do not have any dietary restrictions
-Have not lost more than 10 lbs in the last three months
Do not have any food allergies, diabetes, heart disease conditions or eating disorders
Individuals who meet the above criteria will be randomized to one of four treatment groups: (1) diet group 1, (2) diet group 2, (3) diet group 1 and exercise or (4) diet group 2 and exercise. Pre- and post-testing will include measuring resting energy expenditure, body composition using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA)*, urine samples, aerobic fitness on a treadmill, blood and serum biomarkers**, as well as upper and lower body strength. You will also be asked to record the food you consume in a food diary at three times during the study.
*DXA – Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry uses x-ray radiation to determine body composition and bone mineral density. There are risks associated with exposure to radiation, including cancer, though the amount of radiation provided by DXA is thought to be too small to quantify risk.
**Fasting blood will be taken only twice during the duration of the study by a certified nurse/phlebotomist. A total of 10 mL (2 teaspoons) will be taken, 5 mL during pre-testing and 5 mL during post-testing.
Study compensation
Besides making a contribution to a scientific research project, participants will receive two $25 gift cards (pre- and post-testing) and information regarding their REE, DXA, blood, aerobic fitness and strength tests, a $375 value.
Interested?
To learn more, contact the principal investigator of the study, Elliot D. Jesch or Collin Popp. This research is conducted under the direction of Elliot D. Jesch, Department of Food, Nutrition & Packaging Sciences, and has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Clemson University.
