NCT07011459 · Tulane University
The Cooking for Health Optimization and Disease Prevention (CHOP) Trial
What this study is about
Poor nutrition-related diseases disproportionately impact seniors and racial/ethnic minorities who are more likely to experience disparities in proper nutrition. Culinary medicine is a new evidence-based educational approach that blends the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine.
View original scientific description
Poor nutrition-related diseases disproportionately impact seniors and racial/ethnic minorities who are more likely to experience disparities in proper nutrition. Culinary medicine is a new evidence-based educational approach that blends the art of food and cooking with the science of medicine. Recently, culinary medicine is proposed by the 2020-2030 Strategic Plan for NIH Nutrition Research and national 'Food is Medicine (FIM)' Movement as potential solutions for improving healthy eating, creating social and emotional connections, and nutrition-related health equity. Built upon the well-established community teaching kitchen at The Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine (GCCM) at Tulane University and nearly 10 years of experience in delivering culinary education of Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), the investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the feasibility and effectiveness of 3-month community teaching kitchen-based culinary education of MedDiet on improving cardiometabolic and mental health among racially and ethnically diverse seniors.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Cooking class
3-month community teaching kitchen-based culinary education of MedDiet
OTHER
Standard of care
Participants will continue to receive clinical care recommendations from their physicians
Primary outcome measures
Change in blood pressure measurements
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months
The investigators will measure the change in blood pressure from baseline visit 1 to visit 3. The average of 3 blood pressure readings will be taken. They will be measured at baseline visit and at 3 months visit.
Change in blood glucose measurements
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months
The investigators will measure the change in blood glucose. The fasting blood glucose will be measured at baseline and at 3 months visit. A continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device will be used as well to measure the change in blood glucose.
Change in blood lipid profile measurements
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months
The investigators will measure the change in blood lipid profile. The blood lipid profile will be measured at baseline and at 3 months visit.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age 55 years or older
- English speaking
- Ability to provide informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Medical history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer.
- Food allergies including, but not limited to, milk, eggs, shellfish, nuts, wheat or gluten, and soy.
- Special diets including, but not limited to, Mediterranean, veganism, vegetarianism, gluten-free, and the ketogenic diet.
- Current use of medications that could affect blood glucose and lipids levels including, but not limited to, insulins (Humalog, Novolog, insulin detemir, etc.), anti-diabetic medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, etc.), Ozempic. HAART, and beta blockers.
- No children are involved.
- No other vulnerable subjects will be involved.
Where
- New Orleans, Louisiana
Collaborators
Humana Foundation
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 11, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations