The goal of this intervention study is to learn about how weight loss impacts molecular signaling of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in individuals with obesity. The main question it aims to answer is how inflammatory molecules secreted by IMAT promote muscle insulin resistance and inflammation, and how these same molecules are diminished after weight loss. Following screening visits involving body composition measures, blood testing, strength testing, and a thigh muscle biopsy, participants will go through a 12-week dietary intervention for weight loss. After 12 weeks, this will be followed by the same testing and biopsies that were completed before the intervention. Researchers will then compare outcomes of individuals who lost weight to individuals who did not lose weight.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
70
Low calorie diet of meal replacement shakes
University of Colorado Anschutz
Aurora, Colorado, United States
RECRUITINGInsulin Sensitivity
Participants will undergo a standard 3-hour hyperinsulinemic/euglycemic clamp with insulin infused at 80 mU/m2/min, and glucose clamped at 90 mg/dl with a variable dextrose infusion.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Body Weight
Participant weight will be measured using BodyTrace scales during the 12 week intervention.
Time frame: 12 weeks
IMAT Content
A multi-slice MRI will be used to quantify IMAT and muscle content in both legs with acquisition of \~20 axial images (10 mm thickness) with 10 mm spacing between images starting superior to the patella. IMAT content will be quantified using the well-validated Sirlin 6-echo method and normalized to muscle volume.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Muscle Mass
A multi-slice MRI will be used to quantify IMAT and muscle content in both legs with acquisition of \~20 axial images (10 mm thickness) with 10 mm spacing between images starting superior to the patella. Muscle volume will be quantified using standard methods with anatomical cross-sectional area evaluated in each T1 weighted, high resolution, gradient echo profile scan, and multiplied by the length of the muscle.
Time frame: 12 weeks
Muscle Strength
Participants will perform quadriceps muscle strength testing using an isokinetic dynamometer.
Time frame: 12 weeks
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