Aubrey Roberts

All Publications

• Diet-Based Weight Loss Intervention is Not Associated with Meaningful Change in Lean Soft Tissue. The American journal of clinical nutrition Roberts, A. K., Panyard, D. J., Hislop, B., Ward, C. P., Snyder, M. P., Gardner, C. D., Haddad, F. 2026: 101251

  Abstract

  An emerging concern is that weight loss interventions can lead to disproportionate muscle loss. Few studies accurately quantify changes in lean soft tissue after weight loss or investigate associated molecular signatures.To quantify lean soft tissue (LST) change after a diet-based weight loss intervention. We also identify protein biomarkers associated with retention of LST.Using the DIETFITS cohort, we analyzed LST from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in three ways: a) by body region (appendicular and total body), b) after removing bias from fat-free adipose tissue (FFAT), and c) relative to body size (percentage predicted LST). We also assessed 242 proteins-measured in Olink Cardiovascular II, III, and Inflammation panels-as predictors of LST change.374 participants (61% female; age: 39.4 ± 6.7 yrs, BMI: 32.3 ± 3.2 kg/m2) previously randomized to healthy low-fat or low-carbohydrate diets were pooled and analyzed at baseline vs. 6 months. Total mass changed by -5.9 kg (95% CI: -6.51, -5.29 kg) in females and -7.18 kg (95% CI: -8.2, -6.16 kg) in males. Appendicular LST change was modest at -0.80 kg (95% CI: -0.92, -0.69 kg) in females and -1.02 kg (95% CI: -1.22, -0.83 kg) in males. Appendicular LST losses comprised <10% of total mass loss after adjusting for FFAT. Appendicular LST relative to body size also increased at 6 months (p<0.001). Change in 10 proteins in females and 27 proteins in males predicted LST change (5% FDR), with protein delta homolog 1 (DLK1)-an inhibitor of adipogenesis-as the top predictor.Change in appendicular LST-a surrogate for skeletal muscle-was modest after 6 months of diet-based weight loss. DLK1, an inhibitor of adipogenesis, emerged as the top protein biomarker linked to LST retention.NCT01826591. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01826591?term=DIETFITS&rank=1.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2026.101251

  View details for PubMedID 41740726

• Plant-Based vs. Omnivore diets for athletic performance outcomes among recreational athletes in university dining halls: a randomized crossover study. Nutrition journal Raygoza, C., Roberts, A., Guidetti, A., Cai, O., Sangowdar, P., Muriuki, E. N., Laverick-Johnson, H., Sanguinetti, G., Smith, E., Fammartino, A., Robinson, J., Lee, E., Policastro, P., Mills, C., Kuhnle, G., Svennevik, E., Gardner, C. 2026

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12937-026-01290-1

  View details for PubMedID 41715155

• Bone Characteristics Among Female Endurance Athletes At Risk For Relative Energy Deficiency In Sport Flora, J. L., Smith, M., Roberts, A., Kent, K., Long, J., Zhong, Y., Roche, M., Snyder, M., Kraus, E. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2024: 58-59

  View details for Web of Science ID 001315123200129

• Exploratory Analyses: How to Meaningfully Interpret and Report Them. PM & R : the journal of injury, function, and rehabilitation Roberts, A., Roche, M., Sainani, K. L. 2023

  View details for DOI 10.1002/pmrj.12980

  View details for PubMedID 37029465

• SWAP-MEAT Athlete (study with appetizing plant-food, meat eating alternatives trial) - investigating the impact of three different diets on recreational athletic performance: a randomized crossover trial. Nutrition journal Roberts, A. K., Busque, V., Robinson, J. L., Landry, M. J., Gardner, C. D. 2022; 21 (1): 69

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Plant-based diets are known to be beneficial for cardiovascular health and promote environmental sustainability. However, many athletes avoid plant-based diets due to concerns of protein inadequacy.OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of two predominately plant-based diets-whole food plant-based (WFPB) and plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA)-vs. an omnivorous diet, favoring red meat and poultry (Animal), on endurance and muscular strength.METHODS: 12 recreational runners and 12 resistance trainers were assigned to three diets-WFPB, PBMA, and Animal-for 4weeks each, in random order. Primary outcomes for runners (12-minute timed run) and resistance trainers (composite machine strength) were collected at baseline and after diets, along with secondary performance outcomes and dietary data.RESULTS: 22 recreational athletes completed the study (age: 26.2±4.4years; sex: 10 female, 12 male; BMI: 23.1±2.4kg/m2). Mean differences in 12-minute timed run - WFPB vs. Animal (-23.4m; 95% CI: -107 to 60.0m) and PBMA vs. Animal (-2.9m; 95% CI: -119 to 113m) - were not significant. Mean percent differences in composite machine strength - WFPB vs. Animal (-2.7%; 95% CI: -5.8 to 0.4% and PBMA vs. Animal (-0.7%; 95% CI: -3.5 to 2.2%) - were not significant. Average protein intake for all diets met International Society for Sports Nutrition recommendations.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest recreational athletes can maintain athletic performance on both an omnivorous diet and two diets that are predominately plant-based.TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05472701. Retrospectively registered.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12937-022-00820-x

  View details for PubMedID 36384651