Acute Consequences Of Food-induced Glucocorticoid Secretion In Healthy Individuals

In a randomized, cross-over study, 20 healthy volunteers will receive a block and replace therapy that mimics physiological GC rhythm (metyrapone plus hydrocortisone) or placebo. Participants will undergo two identical overfeeding periods with each treatment. With the block and replace therapy, food-induced GC peak will be suppressed. Metabolic and autonomic parameters will be compared to reveal, whether GCs mediate the physiological adaptions to excessive food intake. Understanding acute effects of GCs upon food intake is critical, since repetitive disruptions of GC secretion may become harmful in chronic conditions.