Effect of Daily Fresh Watermelon Consumption on Gut and Cardiometabolic Health in Young Adults With Overweight and Obesity
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of daily fresh watermelon consumption for 6-weeks on gut health, including microbiome diversity, gut barrier and immune function in young adults with overweight and obesity. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Will consuming fresh watermelon daily for 6-weeks will improve intestinal barrier health and increase microbiome diversity such as an increased population of beneficial 'probiotic' bacteria when compared to control participants consuming a low-fat snack? 2. Will consuming fresh watermelon daily for six-weeks will improve other health measures, including body-composition, blood pressure, blood vessel function, blood lipid profiles, and measures of inflammation, as compared to control participants consuming a low-fat snack for the same time period?
• Between 18 and 30 years old
• Ability to speak and read in English
• Overweight or Obese Class 1 and 2 (BMI ≥ 25 - 39.9 kg/m2)