Project Outline:
Is an almond rich diet a key to combatting obesity?
In this project we are evaluating whether the inclusion of a small amount of energy from almonds (almond-enriched diet (AED)) compared with carbohydrate-rich snacks, in an otherwise nut-free energy-restricted diet (nut-free control diet (NFD)), will improve weight loss during 3 months of dietary energy restriction and limit weight regain during 6 months of weight maintenance.
We are also investigating whether an AED compared with a NFD improves overall health through improved body composition, impacts on resting and total daily energy expenditure and measures of satiety. We are also assessing effects on fat accumulation in the liver and liver enzyme profiles, changes in gut microbiome, and cardiometabolic health outcomes including lipid profiles, glucose and insulin. Additionally, self-reported eating behaviours will be captured as well as mood, personality, pain, mobility, quality of life, sleep and physical activity patterns.
Principal Investigators:
- Alison Coates
- Jon Buckley
- Alison Hill
- Sze-Yen Tan (Deakin University)
- Geraint Rogers (SAHMRI)
Research Team:
- Sharayah Carter
- Catherine Yandell
Collaborators:
- Prof. Tasha Stanton
- Francois Fraysse
- Jessie Childs
- Andrew Hills (University of Tasmania)
Research degree students:
- Susan Ward
- Lauren Mead
Our partners and collaborators:
- This project is funded by the Almond Board of California
- SAHMRI
- Deakin University
- University of Tasmania
