Potassium sorbate and short-term eating in adults with obesity
Official title: Evaluation of Food Additive Contributions to Obesity: Pilot Study 1
Run by McMaster University · NCT07437430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot will see if a one-time dose of potassium sorbate changes how much adults with obesity eat over the next 24 hours compared with a placebo after they reduce similar additives in their diet.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07437430 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–80 with BMI 30–39 kg/m2 who can consent and follow study procedures, are willing to cut down related additives before visits, and are not using weight-loss drugs or planning bariatric surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
People outside the BMI range, those who recently lost significant weight, are pregnant or breastfeeding, using weight-loss medications, have uncontrolled diabetes, active eating disorders, or recent steroid use are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a double-blind, randomized crossover pilot in adults with obesity (BMI 30–39 kg/m2) that gives participants either a one-time dose of potassium sorbate or placebo, followed by a washout and the alternate treatment. Participants will reduce background consumption of related food additives before each test visit to minimize confounding. The primary outcome is food consumption measured over the 24 hours after administration to test feasibility of this measurement approach. The crossover design helps control for between-person differences and informs whether a larger trial is warranted.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could show whether potassium sorbate influences short-term food intake and inform dietary guidance or further research on food-additive contributions to obesity.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is largely novel in humans, with limited animal and observational evidence suggesting additives can affect metabolism or appetite but few randomized crossover human trials of single-dose additives.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females age 20-80; BMI 30-39 kg/m2 inclusive; willingness and ability to follow the proposed study interventions and procedures; informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Weight loss of ≥3% in the last 3 months; previous or planned bariatric surgery in the next 1 year; current or planned participation in any structured weight-loss programs; current or recent (within the last 6 months) use of weight-loss-inducing drugs (including GLP-1 agonists); history of frequent intermittent or continuous use of systemic steroids; excessive alcohol consumption; recent or anticipated adjustments to mood, anxiety or anti-psychotic medications; untreated bipolar disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; eating disorder or any other disorder that may lead to significant weight changes; breastfeeding, pregnancy, planned pregnancy or planned fatherhood in the next 6 months; type 1 diabetes; uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1C≥9%); diabetes requiring treatment with insulin; aversion to foods that will be served during testing sessions.
Where it's running
-
McMaster University Medical Centre
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Natalia McInnes, MD, MSc
- Email: natalia.mcinnes@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 19055212100
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.