Understanding how food processing affects our eating habits
Metabolic and Physiological Effects of Processing on Food Reward Encoding
This study is testing how eating ultra-processed foods compares to minimally processed foods affects our metabolism and how much we enjoy the food, to help understand why we tend to eat too much of the unhealthy options.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 74 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Roanoke, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06017986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) compared to minimally processed foods (MPFs) on metabolic responses and perceived food reward. Participants will consume various meals while their metabolic reactions and brain responses are measured using an auction task paradigm. The study employs a cross-over design, allowing each participant to serve as their own control by experiencing all food conditions. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms driving the overconsumption of UPFs, which are linked to increased diet-related mortality.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a BMI between 18.5-24.9 who are not pregnant and can attend sessions in Roanoke, Virginia.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of metabolic disorders, eating disorders, or contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better dietary recommendations that reduce the consumption of harmful ultra-processed foods.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous research has indicated that understanding food processing can significantly influence dietary habits and health outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Self report BMI between 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 * Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant during study participation Residing in the Roanoke area and/or willing/able to attend sessions at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute * Able to speak and write in English * Participants must be able to see a computer display clearly with or without vision correction (eyeglasses, contacts). Exclusion Criteria: * Claustrophobia (this would make lying in an MRI scanner or indirect calorimetry canopy very uncomfortable). 2\. History of head injury resulting in loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes 3. Current or past diagnosis of diabetes or metabolic disorder (thyroid disease, etc.) 4. Contraindications to MRI: Individuals with pacemaker, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal in eyes, steel worker, or other implants. 5\. History of alcohol or drug dependence 6. Active neurologic disorder 8. Diagnosed eating disorder 9. Food allergies or restrictive diet
Where this trial is running
Roanoke, Virginia
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC — Roanoke, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alexandra G DiFeliceantonio, PhD
- Email: dife@vt.edu
- Phone: 5405262285
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.