1. Introduction
obesity, weight loss, Metabolic syndrome
OBESITY, INSULIN RESISTANCE, SYNDROME, INSULIN SENSITIVITY, TYPE 2 DIABETES, METABOLIC SYNDROME, CHRONIC DISEASE
Metabolic syndrome (MetSx) and its chronic disease consequences are major public health concerns worldwide. Between-meal snacking may be a modifiable risk factor. We hypothesized that consuming tree nuts as snacks, versus typical carbohydrate snacks, would reduce risk for MetSx in young adults. A prospective, randomized, 16-week parallel-group diet intervention trial was conducted in 84 adults aged 22–36 with BMI 24.5 to 34.9 kg/mMetabolic syndrome (MetSx) and its associated cardiometabolic consequences have emerged as a major public health issue in most age groups. Of concern, the overall prevalence of MetSx has increased to 21.3% among American healthy young adults (aged 20–39 years) [While there is no one optimal diet for preventing MetSx, dietary macronutrient intake, particularly the amount of saturated fat (SFA) consumed, is a key factor in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Indeed, replacing SFA with monounsaturated (MUFA) and/or polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats can improve insulin sensitivity as well as reduce blood pressure, serum triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol levels [A survey of 27 countries conducted by the Harris Poll in 2022 shows 71% of consumers worldwide now consume snacks at least two times per day [This study was designed to compare the effects of consuming mixed tree nuts as snacks versus typical high carbohydrate food items as snacks without the confounding factor of caloric restriction and intentional weight loss. Given the relatively high rates of snacking among US young adults and the rising rates of overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes among this population subgroup [