Pennington Biomedical Research Center

This study looks at whether people who sleep 6.5 hours or less per night and eat for more than 14 hours a day can improve their blood pressure and blood sugar by restricting their eating to just 8 hours daily. Researchers will measure changes in blood pressure and insulin resista…

This study looks at whether adding lean pork to the diet can improve blood vessel function and reduce hot flashes in perimenopausal women who are overweight. Thirty women will try both a pork-rich diet and a plant-based diet for four weeks each, with a break in between. Researche…

This study tests whether giving insulin in short weekly sessions can improve how the body uses insulin and how well people with Alzheimer's disease think. Eight adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's will receive the treatment once a week for six months. Researchers will measur…

This study looks at how healthy infants burn energy during their first 3 months. Researchers will measure energy use and body fat in 70 babies to learn more about normal growth and development. The goal is to gather information, not to test a treatment.

This study aims to collect body composition data from 40 healthy adults (young and elderly) to develop better measurement methods for cancer patients. Participants will undergo non-invasive tests like sodium bromide and deuterium dilution. No treatment is given; the goal is to im…

This study looks at whether the ammonia in your breath can help detect malnutrition. Researchers will take breath and blood samples from 12 adults, some with and some without malnutrition, and compare the results. A small group will also drink special beverages and fast for two d…

This study checks if a smartwatch can automatically detect when parents and children (ages 8-12) eat or drink. Researchers will test the watch in a lab and during daily life. 35 families will wear the watch and answer quick questions to see how well the system works.

This study looks at how GLP-1 based weight loss medications change muscle and bone health in people with obesity. About 50 adults aged 18-50 with a BMI of 30-40 will be followed for 6 months. Some will also follow a diet and exercise program to see if that helps protect muscle an…

This study aims to understand how the body defends its weight by measuring energy use and intake after a short fast. Twelve men and women who are either underweight or have obesity will fast for two days, then eat freely for two days in a special chamber. The results will help de…

This study looks at how much iron healthy US adults actually need. Current guidelines are based mostly on European data, so researchers want to update them for Americans. About 300 men and premenopausal women aged 18–50 will take a safe, stable iron isotope and give blood samples…

This study looks at why people with obesity often have low iron levels. Researchers will test if losing weight (which reduces inflammation) or breathing low-oxygen air at night (which signals the body to make more red blood cells) can improve iron absorption. Thirty adults with o…

This study looks at the health habits and mental well-being of 100 young people in the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Researchers will measure things like body fat, depression, anxiety, and coping skills. The goal is to create a training program that improves n…

This study looks at how fat tissue expands and changes when people gain weight over a short period. Researchers will ask 58 overweight adults to eat 30% more calories than usual for several weeks. They want to understand why some people develop health problems like diabetes while…

This study looks at the health, diet, and fitness of 600 U.S. Army soldiers. Researchers will check things like heart health, body composition, mental well-being, and nutrition. The goal is to understand how to keep soldiers healthy and ready for duty. No treatment or medication …

This pilot study will compare two diets—one high in ultra-processed foods and one typical American diet—in 6 adults with overweight or obesity. The goal is not to treat or cure, but to see if the study approach works and to gather data for planning larger future trials. Participa…