Investigating how processed foods affect brain reward systems and learning about food cues

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the effects of ultra-processed foods on brain regions associated with reward, attention, and memory compared to minimally-processed foods. It will assess how these foods influence neurobehavioral responses and food cue learning in adolescents. The study will involve participants aged 13-15 with specific body mass index criteria and will exclude those with certain psychiatric or medical conditions. The research is motivated by the rising obesity rates linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* female and male adolescents 13-15 years of age
* age- and sex- adjusted zBMI scores between the 25th and 75th percentile
* participant and their guardian must be able to read and speak English to gather valid consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* current eating disorders or other major psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, substance use disorder)
* fMRI contra-indicators (e.g., metal implants, braces, claustrophobia, pregnancy)
* serious medical problems (e.g., Type 2 diabetes, cancer)
* history of food allergies or restrictive dietary requirements (e.g., lactose intolerance, vegan)
* use of psychoactive drugs more than once weekly
* medications that impact appetite or reward functioning (e.g., metformin, anti-psychotic medication, insulin)

Where it's running

• Stanford University
  Stanford, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Eric Stice, PhD — Stanford University
• Study coordinator: Eric Stice, PhD
• Email: estice@stanford.edu
• Phone: 541-222-0615

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.