Biobehavioral Reward Responses Associated With Consumption of Nutritionally Diverse Ultra-Processed Foods

Launched by DREXEL UNIVERSITY · Jun 23, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different types of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) affect our bodies and behaviors, particularly in relation to obesity and overeating. Researchers want to find out which ingredients in these foods, especially those high in fat or sugar, make them more appealing and lead people to eat more than they need. By understanding these effects, they hope to create better ways to help people manage overeating and maintain a healthy weight.

To participate in this study, you should be between 18 and 65 years old, have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (which indicates obesity), and like the snack foods being tested. You also need to live in the greater Philadelphia area and be available for six in-person visits. Participants will need to use a smartphone and be able to give consent to join the study. If you have certain health conditions or are taking specific medications, you may not be eligible. This research could lead to important insights that help people make healthier food choices and combat obesity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 to 65 years old
• • BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
• • Endorse liking the test snack foods at a 6 on a 1-10 scale
• • Live in the greater Philadelphia area and are willing/able to participate in six in-person assessments
• • Can access and are willing/able to use a smartphone
• • Able to give consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unable to fluently speak, write, and read English
• • BMI below 30 kg/m2
• • Self-report dietary allergies or aversions to the test snack foods
• • Current diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes (HbA1c \> 6.5; will be confirmed by blood test at baseline) or self-reported diagnosis of hypertension
• • Self-report a cardiovascular event (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction) in the last 12 months
• • Self-report current use of medications that may influence the metabolic responses of interest or inhibit appetite (e.g., metformin, liraglutide)
• • Self-report a loss of ≥ 5% of their body weight in the last 6 months, as this may influence their food choices
• • Self-report severe symptoms of mood (Beck Depression Inventory score ≥ 29), anxiety, and any severity of thought disorders
• • Self-report severe binge eating disorder or full criteria bulimia nervosa
• • Self-report active substance-use disorders
• • Self-report current, active suicidal ideation, and/or a suicide attempt in the past year (will be referred to psychiatric treatment facilities in the greater Philadelphia area)
• • Self-report a history of bariatric surgery
• • Self-report current involvement in weight loss treatment or self-directed weight loss attempt
• • Women who are nursing, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant in the next 3 months
• • Does not have access or are not willing to use a smartphone