Scientists to measure how junk food changes calorie absorption

NCT ID NCT06853288

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Columbia University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how eating lots of ultra-processed foods (like packaged snacks and sugary drinks) affects the calories your body absorbs. Twenty adults with overweight or obesity will eat either a diet where 80% of calories come from ultra-processed foods or one where only 20% do. Researchers will measure the calories left in stool to see how much energy the body actually takes in.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ultra-processed food diet (80% vs 20% of calories)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could help explain why ultra-processed foods cause weight gain, pointing toward better dietary guidelines.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It measures stool calories, not long-term weight changes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Obesity obesity disorder Overweight

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Columbia University Irving Medical Center
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10032, United States

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