The Effect of a Meal on Brain Activation in Reward Pathways

Completed

Conditions studied: Brain Response to Visual Food Cues

In brief

Scientists have studied how fasting and nutrients affect brain function in animals. The purpose of this study is to look at the effects of both fasting and food intake on brain function and memory in humans. To do this the investigators will use functional MRI to observe the brain and its function while fasting and after a meal. Understanding the action of these hormones in the brain may eventually lead to new ways to help people avoid obesity or lose weight.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT01631045

Run by

University of Washington

People needed

24

Starts

2010-04-01

Expected to finish

2012-06-01

Last updated by the study team

2013-07-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 50. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age 18-50
• Body mass index (BMI) 18.5-24.9 kg/m2
• Age and weight are restricted because of known changes in appetite and satiety with aging and changes in body weight.

You may not qualify if…

• Current dieting for weight loss or restrained eating
• History of eating disorders, prior obesity, or weight loss surgery
• Chronic health conditions, including diabetes
• Use of medications that alter appetite (e.g., atypical anti-psychotics)
• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives of estrogen replacement
• Participation in other studies that might affect appetite or body weight
• Recreational drug use or alcohol use of >2 drinks per day
• Food allergies to study foods or inability to taste
• Current smoker
• Any contraindications to MRI such as implanted metal of claustrophobia
• Current dieting, restrained eating, eating disorders, prior weight loss surgery, diabetes, chronic disease (e.g., cardiovascular disease, cancer), and estrogen use are restricted or excluded due to documented influences on the hormones of interest. Smokers and regular alcohol users are excluded consistent with prior studies of appetite regulation.

Where it is running

• University of Washington Medical Center — Seattle, Washington, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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