Examining the link between cortisol levels and food insecurity
Food Insecurity, Poor Diet, and Metabolic Syndrome: Cortisol's Amplifying Role
This study is testing how stress and cortisol levels affect eating habits in people facing food insecurity in Los Angeles.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05191030 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how cortisol reactivity to stress influences eating behaviors among individuals experiencing food insecurity. Participants from the Los Angeles community will undergo a laboratory stressor and a control condition in a counterbalanced order. The study aims to analyze whether heightened cortisol levels affect the relationship between food insecurity and the consumption of hyperpalatable foods. A total of 400 individuals will be recruited, with an equal representation of men and women.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who experience varying levels of food insecurity.
Not a fit: Patients with recent major psychiatric disorders, eating disorders, metabolic or endocrine disorders, or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how stress and cortisol levels impact eating habits in food-insecure populations, potentially guiding interventions.
How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored the relationship between stress and eating behaviors, this specific approach focusing on cortisol and food insecurity is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18+ * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Recent (\<1 year) diagnosis of major psychiatric disorders including any mood disorder, schizophrenia, or PTSD * Recent (\<1 year) diagnosis of eating disorder * Recent (\<1 year) diagnosis of metabolic or endocrine disorder or steroid or hormonal contraceptive use * Pregnancy * Allergy to any of the foods in the food buffet * Participation in strict dieting or caloric restriction
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- University of California, Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: A. Janet Tomiyama, Ph.D. — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: A. Janet Tomiyama, Ph.D.
- Email: tomiyama@psych.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-206-6875
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.