Objective:
To characterize the change in the diurnal cortisol rhythm that occurs with a 12 week period of restricted energy intake and determine if incorporation of dairy foods in the energy-restricted diet maintains a healthy cortisol rhythm. A secondary objective is to determine if changes in cortisol rhythm influence food choice from a buffet meal.

Approach:
Blood and saliva samples will be collected from subjects participating in an ongoing randomized controlled weight loss trial with low- and high-dairy diets and analyzed to determine salivary and plasma cortisol concentrations and plasma ACTH concentrations. These measurements will be taken before and at the end of the 12-week intervention along with subject participation in a food intake protocol to determine food and nutrient intake in response to a buffet meal. Documents Trust with Dairy Management Inc.Log 36272.