Effects of Processed Foods on Brain Reward Circuitry and Food Cue Learning

Launched by STANFORD UNIVERSITY · Dec 1, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how ultra-processed foods (like sugary snacks and fast food) affect the brain compared to minimally-processed foods (like fruits and vegetables). The researchers want to understand if these ultra-processed foods make our brains respond more strongly in areas related to reward, attention, and memory, and how these foods influence our learning about food cues. Essentially, they are looking at how different types of food can impact our cravings and behaviors around eating.

To participate, individuals need to be adolescents aged 13 to 15, with a specific range of body mass index (BMI) that is not too high or too low. Both the teen and their guardian must be able to read and speak English. However, those with current eating disorders, serious medical conditions, or particular mental health issues cannot join. Participants will undergo brain scans while being exposed to different types of foods, which will help researchers gather information on how our brains react to what we eat. This trial is currently looking for volunteers, and it offers a chance to learn more about the effects of food on our brains.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • female and male adolescents 13-15 years of age
• • age- and sex- adjusted zBMI scores between the 25th and 75th percentile
• • participant and their guardian must be able to read and speak English to gather valid consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • current eating disorders or other major psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance use disorder)
• • fMRI contra-indicators (e.g., metal implants, braces, claustrophobia, pregnancy)
• • serious medical problems (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, cancer)
• • history of food allergies or restrictive dietary requirements (e.g., lactose intolerance, vegan)
• • use of psychoactive drugs more than once weekly
• • medications that impact appetite or reward functioning (e.g., metformin, anti-psychotic medication, insulin)