Understanding how family history of obesity affects food intake and brain activity
A Translational Understanding of Obesity-Related Phenotypes Using Brain Imaging and Manipulation
This study is trying to see how having a family history of obesity affects how the brain responds to eating protein and how that might influence eating habits.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Drexel University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06353464 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the relationship between family history of obesity and the brain's response to protein intake during food consumption. Using functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIR), the research aims to identify how activation patterns in specific brain regions correlate with eating behaviors in individuals with different obesity backgrounds. Participants will undergo an acute protein challenge to assess their satiation response and brain activation, providing insights into the mechanisms behind obesity risk and potential preventive strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a BMI between 20-40 who have a stable weight for at least three months and have either a family history of obesity or none.
Not a fit: Patients with current psychiatric or neurological disorders, eating disorders, recent pregnancies, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for obesity based on individual brain responses to food.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of fNIR in eating studies is less common, similar approaches using brain imaging have shown promise in understanding eating behaviors and obesity.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * BMI 20-40 * weight stable for at least 3 months * no parents with history of obesity in adulthood, or at least one parent with history of obesity in adulthood Exclusion Criteria * no current diagnosis of psychiatric disorders * no current diagnosis of neurological disorders * no current diagnosis or history of anorexia nervosa * no current diagnosis or history of bulimia nervosa * no pregnancy within the last 9 months * not currently breastfeeding * no use of investigational medication in the past 6 months * no use of prescription anti-seizure medications. * no use of prescription antidepressant medications * no use of prescription antipsychotic medications
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Principal Investigator, PhD RD
- Email: foodbrainstudies@drexel.edu
- Phone: (267) 359 -6287
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.