Pennington Biomedical Research Center

This study investigates whether sleeping in a low-oxygen environment (similar to an altitude of about 8,500 feet) for 8 hours each night can enhance weight loss in adults with obesity who are also following a reduced-calorie diet. Over 8 weeks, participants use a special tent at …

This study looks at whether a 12-week structured diet and exercise plan can help adults aged 50 and older with obesity and insulin resistance lose fat and improve muscle function. Participants will receive all meals and exercise three times a week under supervision. The goal is t…

This study looks at whether limiting food intake to 8 hours a day can lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar control in people who habitually sleep 6.5 hours or less per night. Researchers will compare the usual long eating period to a restricted 8-hour eating window over 4…

This study looks at whether eating a small handful of almonds (about 18 grams) 30 minutes before a meal can reduce the rise in blood sugar after eating. Researchers will test 25 adults with prediabetes, comparing blood sugar levels after meals with and without almonds. They also …

This study is testing whether giving insulin through a vein every five minutes for two hours, once a week for six months, can improve how the body uses sugar and how well people with Alzheimer's think. Eight adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer's will take part. The goal is to …

This study compares a diet rich in lean pork to a plant-based diet in 30 perimenopausal women with overweight. Over two 4-week periods, researchers will measure changes in blood vessel function, blood pressure, cholesterol, and hot flash interference. The goal is to see if pork c…

This study measures how much energy healthy infants use during their first 3 months of life. Researchers will track 70 babies using special chambers and water tests to understand metabolism and body fat. The goal is to learn more about infant development and overnutrition, not to…

This study will enroll 20 adults with severe obesity who are scheduled for weight-loss surgery. Researchers want to see if advanced tools like MRI and 3D body scans give a clearer picture of health changes than just measuring weight or waist size. Participants will be followed fo…

This study tests whether a smartwatch can automatically detect eating and drinking events in parents and children aged 8-12. Participants wear the watch during a lab session and for three days at home. The goal is to see how accurate the watch is compared to video recordings and …

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 whether losing weight and breathing low-oxygen air (like at high altitude) can help people with obesity absorb more iron. Iron deficiency is common in obesity, possibly due to inflammation. The study will measure iron absorption before and after a 6-week progr…

This study looks at how fat tissue changes when people gain weight from overeating. Researchers will ask 58 overweight adults to either maintain their weight or eat 30% more calories for a short time. By tracking fat cell growth and other changes, they hope to understand why some…

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 aims to collect body composition data from 40 healthy adults to develop better measurement methods for cancer patients. Participants will undergo tests like sodium bromide and deuterium dilution to measure muscle mass and body water. The study does not involve any trea…

This study looks at the health habits of 100 young people in the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program, including staff and cadets. Researchers will measure things like body fat, depression, anxiety, stress, and coping skills. The goal is to create a training program t…