Healthy Adults
Conditions
Keywords
Monozygotic, Dizygotic, Metabolic Parameters
Brief summary
Twin study in Lahore will assess genetic vs. environmental effects on diet and metabolism. Over 12 weeks, monozygotic and dizygotic twins will follow a WHO-aligned balanced diet. Body composition, metabolic markers, and adherence will be measured. Monozygotic twins are expected to show greater similarity in response, clarifying personalized nutrition strategies in Pakistan.
Detailed description
Background: Twin studies help separate genetic and environmental influences on diet and metabolic health. With rising obesity and metabolic disorders in Pakistan, there is no twin-based dietary intervention data. Filling this gap is essential for developing effective, evidence-based personalized nutrition strategies. Hypothesis: The null hypothesis states that there will be no difference in dietary response or within-pair similarity between monozygotic and dizygotic twins. The alternative hypothesis suggests that monozygotic twins will show greater similarity in diet response and that the balanced diet will significantly improve metabolic outcomes. Methodology: A 12-week randomized controlled trial will recruit Monozygotic and Dizygotic twins aged 18-60 years in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants of interventional group will follow a WHO-aligned balanced diet. Body composition, metabolic markers, and dietary adherence will be assessed at baseline and week 12. Statistical Design: Analyses will be conducted in SPSS using paired t-tests for within-pair comparisons and independent t-tests for Monozygotic vs. Dizygotic differences. Effect sizes will be calculated, with significance set at p \< 0.05. Expected Outcomes: The study is expected to show that the balanced diet improves metabolic and body composition outcomes, with monozygotic twins displaying more similar responses than dizygotic twins. These findings will clarify genetic vs. environmental effects and support more targeted nutrition recommendations in Pakistan.
Interventions
OTHERBalanced Diet
12-week culturally adapted WHO-aligned balanced diet emphasizing whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Macronutrient composition: 45-65% carbohydrates, 20-35% fats, 10-20% protein. Individualized based on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and physical activity. Weekly counseling and monitoring through dietary recalls and photographic diaries. This intervention aims to assess the effects of a balanced diet on body composition and metabolic parameters in monozygotic and dizygotic twins.
Sponsors
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore - Pakistan
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Parallel, randomized, twin-pair controlled interventional study in which one twin from each monozygotic and dizygotic pair receives a 12-week WHO-aligned balanced diet while the co-twin continues habitual diet, with pre- and post-intervention assessments of body composition and metabolic parameters.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male or female twins aged 18-60 years. * Confirmed zygosity (MZ or DZ) based on a validated twin zygosity questionnaire. * Both twins willing to participate for the entire intervention period. * Free from chronic diseases requiring specialized diets (e.g., type 1 diabetes, celiac disease). * Not currently enrolled in another dietary or lifestyle intervention study.
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnant or lactating women. * Use of lipid-lowering, glucose-lowering, or weight-loss medications in the past 3 months. * Major gastrointestinal disorders or conditions affecting nutrient absorption. * Unwillingness to follow individualized dietary counseling or complete study assessments.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Body Fat Percentage (%) | Baseline and after 12-Week of Intervention. | Change in total body fat percentage measured using the InBody analyzer to assess the effect of a 12-week balanced diet intervention. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Fasting Plasma Glucose (mg/dL) | Baseline and after 12 weeks | Change in fasting plasma glucose concentration measured to assess the metabolic effect of the 12-week balanced diet intervention. Unit: mg/dL Tool: Venous blood sample, enzymatic laboratory method |
| Change in Lipid Profile (mg/dL) | Baseline and after 12 weeks | Change in fasting serum lipid concentrations measured to assess metabolic response to the 12-week balanced diet intervention. Includes: Total Cholesterol (mg/dL) Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL-C, mg/dL) High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL-C, mg/dL) Triglycerides (mg/dL) Unit: mg/dL Tool: Venous blood sample, standard enzymatic laboratory methods |
| To compare within-pair similarity of Dietary Response | Baseline and after 12-Weeks of intervention | To compare the within-pair similarity of diet response between Monozygotic (MZ) and Dizygotic (DZ) twins, allowing estimation of genetic versus environmental contributions to dietary effects. |
Countries
Pakistan
Contacts
CONTACTMomina Azhar Mehmood, Postgraduate
CONTACTQaisar Raza, Ph.D
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORQaisar Raza, Ph.D
UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, LHR.
Outcome results
None listed