How ultra-processed foods affect the brain and metabolism
Ultra-processed food reward: neural and metabolic factors
['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV · NIH-11286774
This project looks at whether the fast-release calories in ultra-processed foods make them more rewarding to people's brains and promote overeating.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11286774 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a participant's view, researchers will give people flavors and foods that vary in how quickly calories become available and watch how the brain responds using MRI scans. They will also measure metabolic signals such as blood sugar and hormones and record eating behavior and feelings of reward. The team will compare responses across people to find who is most likely to overconsume ultra-processed foods. The goal is to link brain activity and metabolic changes to the foods' properties and related eating habits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who can attend in-person visits at Virginia Tech, are willing to eat test foods, undergo blood draws, and have MRI brain scans would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot tolerate MRI scans, are unwilling to provide blood samples, or need immediate clinical treatment should not expect direct medical benefit from this basic-mechanism research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to reduce overeating of ultra-processed foods and lower risks for diabetes, heart disease, and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked ultra-processed foods to overeating and altered brain reward signals, but the focus on rapid calorie availability and its combined brain and metabolic mechanisms is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES
- VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV — BLACKSBURG, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DIFELICEANTONIO, ALEXANDRA GOLD — VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INST AND ST UNIV
- Study coordinator: DIFELICEANTONIO, ALEXANDRA GOLD
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus, Cancers, Cardiovascular Diseases