Investigating taste responses in obese individuals before and after weight loss surgery

Taste Physiology in Obese Volunteers Before and After Bariatric Surgery

NA · University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT02902198

This study is trying to see how weight loss surgery changes the way morbidly obese people taste food and how their brains respond to it.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other)
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT02902198 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to explore the neuro-anatomical responses to gastrointestinal taste stimulation in morbidly obese individuals by using functional MRI. Participants will receive intragastric administration of glucose, monosodium glutamate, chloroquine, and a placebo, followed by brain imaging before and three months after undergoing bariatric surgery. The goal is to understand how bariatric surgery affects taste perception and related brain activity in obese patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are morbidly obese individuals with a BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 who are scheduled for bariatric surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular disease or neurologic/psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of taste physiology in obesity and improve post-surgical outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies exploring taste physiology in obesity have shown promising results, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* morbidly obese patients (BMI min 35kg/m2) scheduled for bariatric surgery
* right handed

Exclusion Criteria:

* cardiovascular disease
* neurologic/psychiatric disorders

Where this trial is running

Basel

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obesity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.