Neurofeedback therapy for food addiction in obese individuals

Neurofeedback Based on Near-infrared Spectroscopy as a Therapy for Food Addiction in Obese Subjects.

Not applicable Interventional Rennes University Hospital · NCT05277714

This study is testing if neurofeedback therapy can help obese people with food addiction improve their eating habits and lose weight over time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexFemale
SponsorRennes University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rennes)
Trial IDNCT05277714 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of neurofeedback based on near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to enhance brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) of obese individuals with food addiction. Participants will undergo eight neurofeedback sessions over a month, aiming to improve their eating behaviors and promote long-term weight loss. The effectiveness of this intervention will be assessed through clinical data and questionnaires, comparing results from the start of the study to three months later.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are obese individuals eligible for obesity surgery with a confirmed diagnosis of food addiction.

Not a fit: Patients with psychotic disorders, substance addictions, or those who have undergone bariatric surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel non-invasive therapy for managing food addiction and obesity.

How similar studies have performed: While neurofeedback has shown promise in treating various conditions, this specific application for food addiction in obesity is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Eligible for obesity surgery according to the 2009 French High Authority on Health (HAS) criteria (BMI ≥40 or BMI ≥35 with comorbidities)
* Right-handed
* Presenting a food addiction determined by the YFAS 2.0 questionnaire ;
* Affiliated to a social security system;
* Having given free and informed consent in writing.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Psychotic psychiatric disorders (schizophrenic disorders and bipolar disorders);
* Psychotropic drugs, except antidepressants stabilized for at least 3 weeks and benzodiazepines
* Addiction to alcohol or other psychoactive substances (except tobacco);
* History of bariatric surgery;
* Current treatment in the nutrition unit;
* Insufficient command of French;
* Pregnant or breast-feeding woman;
* Persons of legal age under legal protection (safeguard of justice, curatorship, guardianship), persons deprived of liberty.
* Contraindications to fMRI
* Inability to perform the fNIRS procedure due to blockage or attenuation of the light at the capillary level

Where this trial is running

Rennes

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 ObesityCraving
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.