CompletedNot Applicable

Neural Mechanisms for Appetitive Responses to High Reward Foods

United States114 participantsStarted 2016-02

Plain-language summary

This study is aimed at understanding neuroendocrine responses to different types of sugars and how this influences feeding behavior among lean, overweight, and obese individuals.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-35 years, right-handed, weight change \<2% for at least 3 months prior to participation, no history of diabetes or other significant medical problems, fasting glucose \<126 mg/dl. * Lean group: BMI of 19-24.9 kg/m2 * Obese Group: BMI 30-40 kg/m2 * Overweight Group: BMI of 25-29.9 kg/m2 Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological, psychiatric or addiction disorder, fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl, use of prescription medication (with the exception of contraceptives), tobacco use, contraindications to MRI scanning (detailed in Protection of Human Subjects), fructose intolerance, history of eating disorder, actively trying to lose weight.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Changes of Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal responses to food vs non-food cues after ingestion of different types of sugar. BOLD signal responses to food cues will be compared at the level of whole brain and within a priori regions of interest.

Timeframe: Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4

Cerebral Blood Flow Response

Timeframe: Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4

Systemic Metabolite and Hormone Responses

Timeframe: Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02945475

SponsorUniversity of Southern California

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2020-03-13

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Appetitive Behavior trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Timeframe: Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4

Cerebral Blood Flow Response

Timeframe: Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4

Systemic Metabolite and Hormone Responses

Timeframe: Sessions 1, 2, 3, 4