Impact of Olfactory Odour StimulatioN on Energy EXpenditure

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, BASEL, SWITZERLAND · Jul 21, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether smelling different scents can help increase energy expenditure, which is the amount of energy your body uses, in both people with obesity and those who are lean. The study aims to see if a short exposure to certain odors can make a difference in how many calories people burn. The trial is currently looking for participants aged 18 to 55, who have either obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher) or are lean (a BMI between 18 and 25).

To be eligible, participants must have a normal sense of smell and agree to provide written consent. However, certain conditions, such as chronic sinus problems, severe chronic diseases, or recent surgery related to the nose, would exclude someone from participating. Those who smoke, abuse drugs, or have specific health issues like diabetes or liver problems are also not eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to participate in a short-term trial where you will be exposed to different scents and monitored for any changes in your energy use. This could be an interesting opportunity to contribute to research that explores new ways to address obesity.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • • Age 18-55 years
• • Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and Lean (BMI 18-25 kg/m2)
• • Written informed consent
• • Normosmia (defined by sniffing Sticks test)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • • Chronic or acute sinusitis
• • Surgical intervention of the nasal cavity or the paranasal sinus
• • Known allergy to odors used in the study
• • Smokers
• • Current illicit drug abuse including daily marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) consumption (alcohol ≤2 drinks per day allowed)
• • Any kind of severe chronic disease (e.g. severe heart failure, active cancer disease)
• • Diabetes mellitus
• • Treatment with insulin sensitizing drugs including Glucagon-like Peptide (GLP)-1 analogues within the last 3 months
• • History of neurodegenerative diseases, severe head trauma
• • Severe renal impairment (e.g. estimated glomerular filtration rate \<30 ml/min/m2)
• • Known liver cirrhosis or other severe liver impairment
• • Use of any kind of decongestant more than twice a week
• • Use of cortisone-containing nasal spray within the last 3 months
• • Acute upper respiratory tract infection
• • Uncontrolled dysthyroidism
• • Uncontrolled hypertension
• • Regular use of psychopharmaceutic drugs
• • Study participants aims to start a new diet or exercise program during the study
• • Bariatric surgery
• • Pregnancy/Lactation
• • Onset of climacteric symptoms within one year (e.g. hot flashes and/or diaphoresis) OR initiation of hormonal replacement therapy in the last three months
• • Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc.
• • Participation in an interventional study within the last 3 months