Probiotic intervention for obesity and food addiction

Double Blinded Placebo Controlled Feasibility Study to Evaluate a Combination Probiotic in Adults With Obesity

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Los Angeles · NCT06030362

This study is testing whether a probiotic can help adults with obesity and food addiction lose weight and feel better about their eating habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
Trial IDNCT06030362 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a probiotic intervention on individuals struggling with obesity and food addiction. It aims to provide an alternative treatment option for patients who face barriers to traditional weight loss methods, such as bariatric surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the probiotic or a placebo, and their weight loss and food addiction symptoms will be monitored over the course of the intervention. The study targets adults aged 18-50 with a BMI between 25 and 40, focusing on those who do not have significant comorbidities that could interfere with the results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-50 with a BMI between 25 and 40 who do not have significant comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, recent drastic weight loss, or active psychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could offer a non-invasive treatment option for obesity and food addiction, potentially leading to improved weight management and overall health.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of probiotics for weight management is an emerging area of interest, this specific approach has not been extensively tested in clinical settings, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 18-50
* BMI 25-40
* Male and Female
* Not Pregnant or Nursing

Exclusion Criteria:

* Co-morbidities including but not limited to:
* Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes
* vascular disease
* drastic weight loss (more than 10lbs over the preceding 2months)
* frequent strenuous exercise (i.e. marathon runners/heavy weight lifting)
* abdominal surgeries including weight loss surgery or partial/complete resection of stomach or bowel
* untreated thyroid disease
* neurological disease
* Major medical condition the PI/MD feels would put the subject at risk or interfere with data collection.
* Chronic pain
* Diagnosed DSM IV active psychiatric illness including eating disorders. Must not be active or present for at least 2 years. Participants with a positive endorsement on the MINI+ will be excluded.
* Using medications known to affect hunger/satiety/appetite
* Pregnant, lactating, postpartum less than 6months.
* Women of childbearing potential who are not practicing birth control or are planning to get pregnant during the study.
* Use of oral/IV antibiotics within the last 3 months
* Use of probiotics in the last 3 months.
* Heavy use of alcohol and drugs will be determined by a positive endorsement on the MINI+. If the MINI+ is positive for alcohol or drug dependence or abuse, the participant will be excluded. In regards to tobacco use, participants will be excluded if they smoke more than 1/2 pack per day.
* Cannabis use will not be exclusionary. If the MINI+ is positive for drug dependence or abuse, the participant will be excluded.
* Significant change in usual diet and/or weight loss of more than 10lbs in the last 2 months.
* Anyone taking medicines on the medication exclusion list.
* Non-English Speakers (due to the use of validated questionnaires and limited availability of translated copies, participants must be fluent in English so that they will be able to read and follow directions easily.
* Maintenance pharmacotherapies will not be exclusionary so long as they have been on a stable dose for 6months.
* Body weight at enrollment greater than 400lbs.
* Exclude from Optional MRI if: participant is unable to safely participate in the MRI (claustrophobia, presence of devices affected by MRI such as pacemakers, neurostimulators, metallic foreign bodies, etc.).

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California

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 ObesityFood AddictionProbioticDietary Supplement
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.