The Pennington Biomedical Research Center has launched the EAT2 study, led by Dr. Ursula White, associate professor of Clinical Science, to explore the health effects of short-term weight gain and loss, focusing on changes within fat tissue. As the body’s primary fat storage system, adipose tissue plays a crucial role in regulating overall health by adjusting to fluctuations in body weight. The study aims to understand how these adaptations in fat tissue contribute to long-term health outcomes.
The EAT2 study, currently enrolling participants, will include two randomized groups: a weight-stable control group and a second group undergoing a diet designed to induce weight gain. The intervention will last for eight weeks, followed by a subsequent eight-week weight loss phase for those in the weight-gain group. Both groups will participate in a comprehensive dietary program.
“This study is groundbreaking because it delves into the physiological shifts that occur during weight gain and loss, with a focus on how fat tissue mediates these changes,” explained Dr. White, who also directs the Physiology of Human Adipose Tissue Lab at Pennington Biomedical. “Participants in the weight-gain group will receive tailored weight loss guidance, and while some have lost more weight than they gained, individual outcomes vary. Nonetheless, we encourage the community to help us explore the impact of weight fluctuations on health.”
Eligible participants must be men or pre-menopausal women aged 18 to 42 with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 23 to 35. The study will span approximately nine months and include an initial screening visit and 11 study visits, with the option of two overnight stays at Pennington Biomedical’s inpatient unit.
The EAT2 study is backed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Adipose tissue, often viewed solely as a storage site for excess calories, has a multitude of other critical functions. Beyond storing fat, it influences metabolism, insulin sensitivity, appetite regulation, immune responses, and hormone production. The EAT2 study will investigate how these functions are altered by weight gain and loss, providing insights into the broader health implications of adipose tissue changes.
Dr. John Kirwan, executive director of Pennington Biomedical, emphasized the importance of this research. “At Pennington, we are deeply committed to tackling the root causes of obesity and metabolic diseases. The EAT2 study represents a vital piece of foundational science that highlights our institution’s pioneering efforts. Understanding how fat tissue operates at a mechanistic level could unlock new research pathways and advance our knowledge in this critical area.”
Participants in the study will receive compensation for their time and effort, with up to $1,255 offered for completing the full study, in addition to personalized health assessments.
Originally launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic, the EAT2 study faced challenges but has continued with renewed funding secured by Dr. White. The study is expected to conclude in 2025, contributing valuable knowledge to the fields of obesity and metabolic research.
By focusing on how adipose tissue responds to weight fluctuations, the EAT2 study hopes to pave the way for future discoveries about the long-term effects of weight change on overall health.
Related Topic:
Can I Use My HSA For Medical Weight Loss
