Investigating how processed foods affect brain reward systems and learning about food cues
Effects of Processed Foods on Brain Reward Circuitry and Food Cue Learning
This study is testing how eating ultra-processed foods affects the brains of teenagers aged 13-15, especially in terms of rewards, attention, and memory, compared to healthier, minimally-processed foods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 162 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06165952 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 13-15 with a body mass index within the 25th to 75th percentile.
Not a fit: Patients with current eating disorders, major psychiatric disorders, or serious medical problems will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how dietary choices impact brain function and eating behaviors, potentially guiding interventions for obesity.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on the effects of ultra-processed foods, this specific investigation into brain activation and food cue learning is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Stanford, California
- 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
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.