Understanding how taste and smell affect eating behavior in obesity
Mechanisms Underlying Individual Variations of Taste and Smell in Obesity
This study looks at how taste and smell affect eating habits in people with obesity compared to those without to help understand what might contribute to weight gain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 350 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Trial ID | NCT04714892 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the differences in taste and smell perceptions between individuals with obesity and those without. Researchers will conduct medical history screenings, neurological and sensory exams, and collect various biological samples to assess the influence of these senses on food intake. The study will involve two visits where participants will complete questionnaires about their eating habits and undergo physical measurements. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind variations in taste and smell that may contribute to obesity and inform future interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-65 with a BMI indicating obesity or healthy weight.
Not a fit: Patients with type II diabetes or significant recent weight changes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective strategies for preventing and treating obesity by understanding the sensory influences on eating behavior.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on the sensory mechanisms in obesity, studies on taste and smell perceptions have shown promise in understanding eating behaviors.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Males and females between 18 to 65 years of age. Due to documented knowledge that taste and smell changes with age, we will limit the cohort within this age range. * BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m\^2 for healthy controls or between 30 and 39.9 kg/m\^2 for obese subjects * Fasted plasma glucose levels between 68-126 mg/dl or per Clinical Center ranges, and hemoglobin A1C\<6.5% * Able to provide his/her own consent * Able to understand the protocol, as shown by scoring a 6 out of 6 on a consent quiz EXCLUSION CRITERIA: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Because type-2 diabetic subjects have blunted taste responses, subjects with diagnosis of type II diabetes will be excluded. * Hypoglycemic drug intake. * Weight change of more than 15 pounds in the 6 months prior to screening * Positive pregnancy test, currently pregnant or breastfeeding. * Currently using any of the following medications: steroidal or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications, medications known to inhibit taste response (GLP1 agonists), antiepileptic or antidepressant agents, glucocorticoids, or antibiotics. * Received a diagnosis by a medical professional of morbid obesity, liver or renal disease. * Individuals with current heavy drinking. Women who drink 4 drinks or more in one occasion and 7 drinks in a week. Men who drink 5 drinks or more in one occasion and more than 14 drinks a week. * Use of tobacco products or illicit drugs (as determined by urine drug screen and/or history/physical exam) in the last 30 days. * Currently have an uncontrolled medical disorder (i.e., gastrointestinal, endocrine, cardiac, psychiatric). * Any self-reported history of chronic rhinitis, eating disorder (including binge eating), chronic upper respiratory infection, chronic allergic rhinitis, or nasal polyps in the last 6 months of screening, or current daily use of nasal sprays. * Abnormal complete blood count (CBC): White Blood Cell Count \< 4 or \> 10 K/uL, Red Blood Cell Count \< 4 or \> 7 M/uL, Hemoglobin \< 12 g/dL for females or \< 13 g/dL for males or any clinical signs/symptoms that indicate iron deficiency anemia per clinician s judgment at screening \[National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) definition (Anemia - Iron-Deficiency Anemia, Diagnosis NHLBI, NIH)\]. * Bariatric surgery within the last 12 months of screening. * History of cancer (e.g., head and neck cancer) and/or history of cancer treatment (e.g., radiotherapy to the head and neck area or chemotherapy). * Altered cranial nerves identified by neurological evaluation during physical exam (screening visit). * Currently experiencing temporary change/loss of taste and/or smell. * Persistent loss of taste and/or smell due to COVID-19 or other reasons. * Unable to read and understand English. Since all self-report measures are in English only, participants need to be able to read and understand the English language. * NIAAA employees/staff or subordinates/relatives/co-workers of NIAAA employees/staff or study investigators.
Where this trial is running
Bethesda, Maryland
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center — Bethesda, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paule V Joseph, C.R.N.P. — National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
- Study coordinator: Nada M Saleh
- Email: nada.saleh@nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 496-3799
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.