AppetiteNCT07213245
Metabolic Effects of Short-term Ultra-processed Food Intake (MEST-UPF)
A study testing Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food, Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food and Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food in people with Appetite and Obesity and Obesity-related Medical Conditions, run by Göteborg University at 1 site in Sweden.
Trial summary
The overall aim of this project is to study the effects of short-term high ultra-processed food intake, compared to nutrient- and energy density matched low ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, on energy intake and appetite. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Appetite, Obesity and Obesity-related Medical Conditions
- What is being tested?
- Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food, Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food and Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 24 participants
- Where
- 1 siteSweden
- Study dates
- 1 Dec 2025to 31 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Body mass index (BMI) 18.5-30 kg/m2
- Fasting glucose < 6.1 mmol/l
- Hb >110 g/L
- Weight stability the last 3 months +/-5%
Who cannot join
- Food allergies, intolerances or preferences preventing consumption of any products included in the study.
- Unable to sufficiently understand written and spoken Swedish or English to provide written consent and understand information and instructions from the study personal.
- Pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy during the study period.
- Blood donation or participation in a clinical study with blood sampling within 30 days prior to screening visit and throughout the study.
- History of gastrointestinal conditions or major gastrointestinal surgery (Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, malabsorption, colostomy, bowel resection, gastric bypass surgery etc.).
- Type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Show all 11Show fewer
- Thyroid disorder.
- Current smoking, vaping.
- Following any weight reduction program or having followed one during the last 6 months prior to screening.
- Not habitually eating breakfast (<5 times/week).
- Restrained eating based on the three-factor eating questionnaire.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Linnea Bärebring, PhD contact
Sweden1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Department of internal medicine and clinical nutrition, University olf Gothenburg
Gothenburg, 40530
Therese Karlsson, PhD, +46704089150
About this study
Official title: Metabolic Effects of Short-term Ultra-processed Food Intake (MEST-UPF): a Randomized Controlled Trial
The overall aim of this project is to study the effects of short-term high ultra-processed food intake, compared to nutrient- and energy density matched low ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, on energy intake and appetite.
A total of 24 men and women who meet all inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will be invited to participate. A randomized 2*2 factorial four-way crossover study will be conducted at the Department of Internal medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Gothenburg, comparing a high-UPF meal to a low-UPF meal also with high and/or low energy density. A supervised breakfast meal will be served, and postprandial blood samples and appetite measures will be collected continuously up to 4 hours after the breakfast meal. Subsequently, an ad libitum lunch meal will be served, and energy intake will be recorded.
- Being tested
- Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food, Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food, Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food, Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food
- Medical subject headings
- Obesity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed foodOther
Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food
Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed foodOther
Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food
Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed foodOther
Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food
Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed foodOther
Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food | Experimental | Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food Receives: Other: Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food |
| Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food | Experimental | Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food Receives: Other: Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food |
| Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food | Experimental | Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food Receives: Other: Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food |
| Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food | Experimental | Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food Receives: Other: Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Self-reported appetite
Appetite ratings (hunger, fullness, and desire to eat) will be assessed using separate 100-mm Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), anchored with "not at all" (0 mm) and "extremely" (100 mm). Higher scores indicate greater perceived intensity.
Measured: Baseline to 8 hours after test meal
Energy intake
Energy intake estimated by nutrient calculation of leftover food at the ad libitum lunch meal
Measured: 4 hours after test meal
Gastrointestinal hormones - incretins
Difference between groups in incretins GIP and GLP-1 in response to meal
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Gastrointestinal hormones - cholecystokinin
Difference between groups in cholecystokinin in response to meal
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Gastrointestinal hormones - peptide YY
Difference between groups in peptide YY (PYY) in response to meal
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Gastrointestinal hormones - ghrelin
Difference between groups in ghrelin in response to meal
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Secondary outcomes (11)
Eating rate
Time it takes to eat the study meal until satisfied
Measured: Baseline til end of study meal
Glucose postprandial
Difference between groups in postprandial glucose in response to meal.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Insulin postprandial
Difference between groups in postprandial insulin in response to meal.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Lipid metabolism
Difference between groups in postprandial lipid metabolism in response to meal.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Metabolome
Differences between groups in metabolome (plasma) measured using metabolomics in response to meals.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Proteome
Differences between groups in proteome (plasma) measured using proteomics in response to meals.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Self-reported prospective energy intake
Self-reported prospective energy intake during the remainder of the day
Measured: From 30 min until midnight or bedtime (which ever comes first)
Inflammatory markers in blood - cytokines
Differences between groups in immunological responses (cytokines) in response to meal.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Inflammatory markers in blood - lipopolysaccharides
Differences between groups in immunological responses (lipopolysaccharides) in response to meal.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Inflammatory markers in blood - GlycA
Differences between groups in immunological responses (GlycA) in response to meal.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Lipid profile
Differences between groups in lipid profile (plasma) measured using lipidomics in response to meals.
Measured: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Oct 2025
- Study start1 Dec 2025
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AppetiteStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Göteborg UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Factorial assignment 2X2 factorial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Göteborg University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Therese Karlsson, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Gothenburg, Institute of medicine
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07213245
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- MEST-UPF
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 9 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Metabolic Effects of Short-term Ultra-processed Food Intake (MEST-UPF): a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07213245
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MEST-UPF
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 24 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Göteborg UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The overall aim of this project is to study the effects of short-term high ultra-processed food intake, compared to nutrient- and energy density matched low ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, on energy intake and appetite.
A total of 24 men and women who meet all inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria will be invited to participate. A randomized 2*2 factorial four-way crossover study will be conducted at the Department of Internal medicine and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Gothenburg, comparing a high-UPF meal to a low-UPF meal also with high and/or low energy density. A supervised breakfast meal will be served, and postprandial blood samples and appetite measures will be collected continuously up to 4 hours after the breakfast meal. Subsequently, an ad libitum lunch meal will be served, and energy intake will be recorded.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 4
- Model description
- Factorial assignment 2X2 factorial
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food | Experimental | Other: Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed foodMeal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food |
| Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food | Experimental | Other: Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed foodMeal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food |
| Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food | Experimental | Other: Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed foodMeal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food |
| Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food | Experimental | Other: Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed foodMeal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Body mass index (BMI) 18.5-30 kg/m2
- Fasting glucose < 6.1 mmol/l
- Hb >110 g/L
- Weight stability the last 3 months +/-5%
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Food allergies, intolerances or preferences preventing consumption of any products included in the study.
- Unable to sufficiently understand written and spoken Swedish or English to provide written consent and understand information and instructions from the study personal.
- Pregnant, lactating or planning a pregnancy during the study period.
- Blood donation or participation in a clinical study with blood sampling within 30 days prior to screening visit and throughout the study.
- History of gastrointestinal conditions or major gastrointestinal surgery (Inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, malabsorption, colostomy, bowel resection, gastric bypass surgery etc.).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed foodMeal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food | Other | Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food |
| Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed foodMeal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food | Other | Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food |
| Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed foodMeal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food | Other | Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food |
| Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed foodMeal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food | Other | Meal low in energy density, low in ultra-processed food |
Primary outcome
Self-reported appetite
Time frame: Baseline to 8 hours after test meal
Appetite ratings (hunger, fullness, and desire to eat) will be assessed using separate 100-mm Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), anchored with "not at all" (0 mm) and "extremely" (100 mm). Higher scores indicate greater perceived intensity.
Energy intake
Time frame: 4 hours after test meal
Energy intake estimated by nutrient calculation of leftover food at the ad libitum lunch meal
Gastrointestinal hormones - incretins
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Difference between groups in incretins GIP and GLP-1 in response to meal
Gastrointestinal hormones - cholecystokinin
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Difference between groups in cholecystokinin in response to meal
Gastrointestinal hormones - peptide YY
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Difference between groups in peptide YY (PYY) in response to meal
Gastrointestinal hormones - ghrelin
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Difference between groups in ghrelin in response to meal
11 secondary outcomes
Eating rate
Time frame: Baseline til end of study meal
Glucose postprandial
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Insulin postprandial
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Lipid metabolism
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Metabolome
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Proteome
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Self-reported prospective energy intake
Time frame: From 30 min until midnight or bedtime (which ever comes first)
Inflammatory markers in blood - cytokines
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Inflammatory markers in blood - lipopolysaccharides
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Inflammatory markers in blood - GlycA
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Lipid profile
Time frame: Baseline to 4 hours after test meal
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Linnea Bärebring, PhD contact
Therese Karlsson, PhD principal investigator
University of Gothenburg, Institute of medicine
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Meal high in energy density, high in ultra-processed food, Meal high in energy density, low in ultra-processed food and Meal low in energy density, high in ultra-processed food in people with Appetite and Obesity and Obesity-related Medical Conditions, run by Göteborg University at 1 site in Sweden.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Sweden. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Therese Karlsson, PhD (+46704089150, therese.karlsson@gu.se), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Self-reported appetite (time frame: Baseline to 8 hours after test meal). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Sep 2026.