Exploring brain function related to emotion regulation in obese patients with and without binge eating disorder

Neurofunctional Characterization of Emotional Regulation and Its Links With the Eating Behaviour of Patients Suffering From Obesity, With or Without Binge Eating Disorder and Seeking Bariatric Surgery. Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional CHU de Reims · NCT05131256

This study is trying to see how the brain handles emotions in people with obesity, with or without binge eating disorder, to find better ways to help them manage their eating habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorCHU de Reims Academic / other
Locations1 site (Reims)
Trial IDNCT05131256 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the neurofunctional profiles of emotion regulation in patients suffering from obesity, with or without binge eating disorder (BED), compared to healthy participants. Using functional MRI (fMRI), the research aims to understand how emotional regulation affects eating behaviors and psychological profiles in these patients. By identifying the neural correlates of emotion dysregulation, the study seeks to provide insights that could lead to new therapeutic approaches for obesity and BED. Participants will include individuals seeking bariatric surgery who meet specific inclusion criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 who are obese, seeking bariatric surgery, and have a diagnosis of binge eating disorder.

Not a fit: Patients with current substance use disorders, neurological disorders, or severe mental health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for managing obesity and binge eating disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on the neurofunctional profiles of emotion regulation in this patient population, similar studies have shown promise in understanding emotional dysregulation in obesity.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Group 1: Patients suffering from obesity, seeking bariatric surgery, and with BED.

Inclusion criteria:

* Patients between 18 and 60 years old, men or women, right-handed
* Having a diagnosis of obesity class 2 or 3 and seeking bariatric surgery
* With Binge eating disorder (BED)
* Possibility to the use of MRI
* Patients being a native French speaker
* Patients enrolled in the national healthcare insurance program
* Patients consenting to participate to the study

Exclusion criteria:

* The presence of a current substance use disorder as defined by DSM-5 criteria
* The presence of neurological disorders or head trauma
* The presence of any intellectual disability, of pervasive developmental disorders or learning difficulties (especially of dysphasia and dyspraxia)
* A current mood episode as defined by DSM-5 criteria
* A diagnosis of schizophrenia or of bipolar disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
* Handling of psychotropics substances
* A sensorial impairment uncorrected (visual and/or hearing)
* Contraindication to the use of MRI
* Pregnant woman and people particularly protected by the law

Group 2: Patients suffering from obesity, seeking bariatric surgery, and without BED.

Inclusion criteria:

* Patients between 18 and 60 years old, men or women, right-handed
* Having a diagnosis of obesity class 2 or 3 and seeking bariatric surgery
* Without Binge eating disorder (BED)
* Possibility to the use of MRI
* Patients being a native French speaker
* Patients enrolled in the national healthcare insurance program
* Patients consenting to participate to the study

Exclusion criteria:

* The presence of a current substance use disorder as defined by DSM-5 criteria
* The presence of neurological disorders or head trauma
* The presence of any intellectual disability, of pervasive developmental disorders or learning difficulties (especially of dysphasia and dyspraxia)
* A current mood episode as defined by DSM-5 criteria
* A diagnosis of schizophrenia or of bipolar disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
* Handling of psychotropics substances
* A sensorial impairment uncorrected (visual and/or hearing)
* Contraindication to the use of MRI
* Pregnant woman and people particularly protected by the law

Group 3: Healthy participants.

Inclusion criteria:

* Men or women, right-handed, between 18 and 60 years old
* Without overweight nor obesity
* Native French speaker
* Individuals enrolled in the national healthcare insurance program
* Individuals consenting to participate to the study

Exclusion criteria:

* Past obesity
* The presence of neurological disorders or head trauma
* The presence of any intellectual disability, of pervasive developmental disorders or learning difficulties (especially of dysphasia and dyspraxia)
* Handling of psychotropics substances
* A sensorial impairment uncorrected (visual and/or hearing)
* Contraindication to the use of MRI
* Pregnant woman and people particularly protected by the law
* A current mood episode as defined by DSM-5 criteria
* A diagnosis of schizophrenia or of bipolar disorder according to DSM-5 criteria
* The presence of a current substance use disorder as defined by DSM-5 criteria
* A diagnosis of eating disorder as defined by DSM-5 criteria

Where this trial is running

Reims

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 ObesityBinge-Eating DisorderEmotionfMRIEmotion regulationBinge eating disorder
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.