Young Adult Eating Habits (NCT05550818) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Young Adult Eating Habits
United States36 participantsStarted 2023-03-10
Plain-language summary
Most individuals with obesity become so before age 35 and adolescent's unhealthy dietary patterns, specifically high intake of ultra-processed foods and poor overall diet quality, may contribute to energy overconsumption and weight gain. The overall objective of this research is to establish proof-of-concept for altered reward processing measured by brain response to ultra-processed foods, an increase in ad libitum energy intake, and adverse effects on executive function in response to an ultra-processed diet (81% total energy) compared to a diet emphasizing minimally processed foods in individuals aged 18-25 years.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 25 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 18-25 years
* Weight stable (+5 lbs) for previous 6 months
* No plans to gain/lose weight or change physical activity level
* Willing to pick up food daily and consume foods provided for two 14-day periods
* Verbal and written informed consent
* Unrestrained eater (TFEQ cognitive restraint score \<11)
* No reported history of eating disorders
* Sedentary to recreationally active
* ADHD medications if same med \>3 months at time of study
Exclusion Criteria:
* BMI \>30 kg/m2
* Endocrine disorders or other major chronic disease (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypertension)
* Pregnant or plans to become pregnant
* Food allergies or aversions
* Claustrophobia
* History of head injury with loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes
* Contraindications to MRI: individuals with pacemaker, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal in eyes, steel worker, or other implants.
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
1
Change in Brain Response From Baseline to 2-weeks Post High UPF or 2 Weeks no UPF Diet
Timeframe: 4 measurements (pre/post 2-week UPF diet, pre/ post 2-week no UPF diet)
Trial details
NCT IDNCT05550818
SponsorVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University