Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Seasonal Variation in Energy Expenditure, Water Turnover, and Physical Activity in Adults

This study wants to understand how our bodies change with the seasons. It's looking at things like how much energy we burn, how much water we use, and how active we are in winter compared to summer. Healthy adults living near Aberdeen, Scotland, will take part. They'll be monitored for about two weeks in winter and again for two weeks in summer. Researchers will use special water to measure energy and water use, and wearable devices to track activity and even the temperature around them. The aim is to see if factors like daylight and temperature influence how our bodies work and how active we are throughout the year.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Aberdeen

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2026

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2028

Energy Expenditure Physical Activity

What is this study about?

Imagine how different a Scottish winter feels compared to a summer! This study wants to find out if these seasonal changes — like colder weather, shorter daylight hours, and less sunshine — affect how our bodies work. Specifically, researchers are interested in three main things: how much energy we burn each day (this is called 'energy expenditure'), how much water our bodies use, and how physically active we are.

To do this, healthy adults living in or around Aberdeen will be asked to take part. They'll be observed during two different times of the year: once in the middle of winter and again in the middle of summer. This way, the researchers can compare the same person's body measurements and activity levels in different seasons. It's a bit like taking a snapshot of your body's activity in winter and then another in summer to see what's changed.

The study hopes to understand if our energy levels, water needs, and how much we move around naturally shift with the changing seasons. It also wants to explore if things like the temperature outside, how much daylight there is, and how much sun we get are linked to these changes. This information could help us better understand how our bodies adapt to our environment throughout the year.

Key takeaways

The study explores how seasons affect our energy use, water needs, and activity levels.
Healthy adults aged 18-50 are needed from the Aberdeen area.
Participation involves two two-week periods: one in winter and one in summer.
You'll drink special water and wear devices to track your body and activity.
The aim is to understand how environmental factors like daylight influence our bodies.
This is an observational study, meaning no treatments are given.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 50 years old. You should also have a healthy body weight, meaning your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 18.5 and 29.9. Crucially, you must be able to take part in both a winter measurement period (around January/February) and a summer measurement period (around July/August).

It's important that you live in or near Aberdeen, or spend most of your year in Scotland. The study is not for you if you have any health conditions that might affect your daily activity, metabolism (how your body uses energy), or water balance. This includes things like diabetes, serious heart or kidney problems, or lung conditions that limit what you can do. You also can't be pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

If you're currently trying to lose weight, have had weight loss surgery, or your weight has changed a lot recently (more than 5kg in the last 6 months), this study isn't suitable. Similarly, if you're a professional athlete or train very intensely, or if you're taking medications that could affect your metabolism or activity levels (like certain steroids or weight-loss drugs), you won't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 50 years old?
Do you have a healthy body weight (BMI 18.5-29.9)?
Can you participate in both a winter and summer study period?
Do you live in or near Aberdeen, Scotland?
Are you generally healthy with no major long-term health conditions?
Are you not pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll join for two separate periods, each lasting about two weeks. One period will be in winter (January/February) and the other in summer (July/August).

During each of these two-week periods, you'll undergo several assessments. This includes drinking a special type of water called 'doubly labelled water' — it's safe and helps measure your energy use and water turnover. You'll also wear devices like an activity tracker (like a sophisticated pedometer) and sensors to record your temperature and where you go, using GPS. You'll have your height, weight, body composition (how much muscle and fat you have), blood pressure, heart rate, and lung function checked. You'll also be asked to keep a record of what you eat for 24 hours.

There are no specific medications involved in this study, and no long-term follow-up beyond the two seasonal measurement periods. The total duration of your involvement will be these two two-week periods, spread across winter and summer.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit your health, as it's an observational study focused on understanding how the body works. However, you would be contributing valuable scientific knowledge about how seasons affect our health and activity, which could help others in the future. The risks are generally low; drinking the special water is considered safe, and wearing the devices is usually comfortable. Some measurements, like blood pressure, are routine and safe. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University of Aberdeen, School of Biological Sciences, Zoology Building
Verified postcode
Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'doubly labelled water'?

It's safe drinking water containing tiny amounts of harmless, non-radioactive markers that help scientists measure how much energy your body uses and how much water passes through it.

Do I have to change my daily routine for the study?

No, you should continue with your normal daily activities, diet, and lifestyle during the study periods. The idea is to see how your body naturally behaves.

Will I get results about my own health?

You won't get individual health recommendations. However, the researchers might share general findings from the study when it's completed.

Is the study looking for a 'cure' for anything?

No, this is an observational study to understand how healthy bodies adapt to seasons, not to test a new treatment or find a cure for a disease.

Where does the study take place?

The study involves adults living in or near Aberdeen, Scotland. Some measurements will likely happen at a research centre, and others will involve you wearing devices at home.

How to find out more

HUIHUI MEI

h.mei.25@abdn.ac.uk +447345185714 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.