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Ferdinand Study
此研究目前没有经过审核的中文翻译，内容以英文显示。请以英文内容为准。 / This study has no approved Chinese translation and is shown in English. Please rely on the English content.
A 6-month weight loss study investigating feijoa whole fruit powder for type 2 diabetes prevention
About
Why this study matters
Would you like to lose weight while contributing to research that could help prevent type 2 diabetes? The FERDINAND Study investigates whether daily consumption of feijoa whole fruit powder alters the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adults at elevated risk.
Participants follow a structured 8-week low-energy weight-loss diet, then a 4-month weight maintenance phase. Throughout the full six months, you consume either feijoa whole fruit powder or a matched placebo powder once a day. We monitor blood glucose, body composition, and other metabolic markers across seven visits.
Feijoa is widely grown in Aotearoa New Zealand and rich in bioactive compounds that may influence glucose metabolism. This study will help establish whether incorporating it into the diet has a measurable effect on diabetes risk for people who need it most.
Participation
What you'll be asked to do
Initial assessment and consent
Visit the Human Nutrition Unit in Mt Eden for your first appointment. We'll measure your weight, height, body composition, take a fasting blood sample to confirm eligibility, and walk you through the study protocol.
8-week weight-loss phase
Follow the Cambridge low-energy weight-loss diet for the first 8 weeks. Our team provides the meal-replacement products, dietary guidance, and regular check-ins to support you.
4-month weight maintenance phase
Transition back to regular food using a structured maintenance programme designed to help you keep the weight off. You'll continue meeting with the team for support and monitoring.
Daily feijoa or placebo powder
Consume one serving of either feijoa whole fruit powder or a matched placebo powder every day for the entire six months. You will not know which group you are in, and neither will the research team during data collection.
Eligibility
Who we're looking for
You can join if
- You are aged 18–70 years.
- You live in Tāmaki Makaurau (the Auckland area) and can attend 7 in-person visits at our Mt Eden facility.
- You are overweight or have obesity (based on BMI calculated from your height and weight — we can check this for you)
- You have elevated fasting blood glucose but have NOT been diagnosed with diabetes
- You are willing to commit to a 6-month weight loss and maintenance programme.
- You are willing to consume feijoa whole fruit powder or matched placebo powder once daily for the full six months.
You cannot join if
- You have already been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during the study period.
- You are taking medication for blood glucose, blood pressure, or weight management.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the Cambridge weight-loss diet?+
It's a clinically supported low-energy meal-replacement programme that uses shakes, soups, and bars to deliver controlled nutrition while supporting steady weight loss. Our team provides everything you need and walks you through the protocol.
Will I know whether I'm getting feijoa powder or the placebo?+
No — this is a double-blind study, meaning neither you nor the research team know which group you're in until data collection ends. This ensures the results are unbiased. After the study you can request to find out which group you were in.
What if I can't keep the weight off during the maintenance phase?+
Weight maintenance is genuinely hard, which is part of why we're studying it. Our team supports you with strategies and check-ins, but you won't be removed from the study if your weight fluctuates — that's valuable data too.