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UAB to study if breakfast choice helps or hinders fat burning

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BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham may soon know how bad your morning doughnut can be. According to one professor, research in animals suggests that a high-carbohydrate breakfast may turn of the body's ability to burn fat during the day.

Barbara Gower, Ph.D., has received a $160,000 grant to study if the choices made at breakfast can affect metabolic health. Studies in mice have shown that fat intake at the time of waking takes advantage of the body's inclination to burn fat.

"Morning appears to be the time of the day when your body is geared up to burn fat," said Gower.

On the other hand, high-carbohydrates for breakfast impaired animals ability to burn fat later in the day. Gower believes this might translate to humans.

"Your first meal of the day appears to program your metabolism for the rest of the day," said Gower. "If you eat a high-carbohydrate meal first thing in the morning, such as white bread or a doughnut, your body may shut off its fat-burning activity. That could lead to obesity and elevated triglycerides, which, in turn, could increase your risk for heart disease and diabetes."

Gower is recruiting 30 adults between 55-75 for the study. Participants will be given all breakfast foods and instructions on eating healthful, well-balanced lunches and dinners. If you are interested in participating in the clinical trial in the Birmingham area, contact 205-934-4386.

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