Effects of dietary changes on food choices and brain function

"SFB 1052/3 - Mechanismen Der Adipositas, Projekt A1: Veränderung Der Neurobiologischen Grundlagen Von Ess-Entscheidungen Bei Adipositas" Engl. "CRC 1052/3 - Obesity Mechanisms, Project A1: Targeting Neurobehavioral Determinants of Obesity"

Not applicable Interventional Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences · NCT05353504

This study is testing if changing diets can help overweight and obese adults make better food choices and improve their brain function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leipzig)
Trial IDNCT05353504 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates how dietary interventions that alter the gut microbiome can influence food decision-making in overweight and obese adults. A total of 90 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a pre-biotic dietary intervention, a behavioral lifestyle intervention, or a control condition over 26 weeks. The study will utilize functional and structural MRI, cognitive testing, and microbiota analysis through stool samples to assess changes in brain function and gut health. The goal is to understand the mechanisms behind how diet impacts food choices and overall health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are overweight or obese adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with clinically relevant psychiatric diseases, chronic inflammatory or malignant diseases, or those who have undergone bariatric surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new dietary strategies that improve food decision-making and aid in weight management for individuals with obesity.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has shown promising results in the relationship between gut microbiota and dietary interventions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI \>= 25 kg/m2 or WHR \>= 0.9/0.85 (m/d, f)
* no MRI contra-indication
* written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* athletes
* occurrence of a clinically relevant psychiatric disease in the last 12 months, e.g. depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, schizophrenia
* any chronic inflammatory or malignant disease
* type 1 diabetes
* previous bariatric/gastric surgery
* pregnancy or breastfeeding woman

Where this trial is running

Leipzig

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Overweight and Obesity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.