Actively Recruiting
Biobehavioral Reward Responses Associated With Consumption of Nutritionally Diverse Ultra-Processed Foods
Led by Oregon Research Institute · Updated on 2026-02-12
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
O
Oregon Research Institute
Lead Sponsor
O
Oregon Research Institute Community and Evaluation Services
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how different ingredients in ultra-processed foods (UPFs), specifically fat and refined carbohydrates, affect their rewarding properties and may lead to overeating and obesity. This study aims to understand the biological and behavioral mechanisms behind the reinforcing nature of these ingredients to identify potential new targets for treating overeating and obesity. The research combines methods from addiction studies with assessments of food reward in individuals with obesity. Participants with obesity will attend four separate visits where they will consume standardized snack portions representing four different food types: ultra-processed foods high in both fat and refined carbohydrates, ultra-processed foods high in fat only, ultra-processed foods high in refined carbohydrates only, and minimally processed foods. The order of these snacks will be randomized and balanced across participants. After each snack, metabolic and subjective responses will be measured for up to 120 minutes, followed by an eating period where participants can eat as much as they want. Additionally, for five days after each visit, participants will complete ecological momentary assessments (EMA) to report their experiences and food consumption in daily life. Throughout the study, researchers will collect data on subjective reward responses before and after snack intake both in the lab and via EMA surveys over 20 days total. They will also measure ad libitum consumption, daily calorie intake, and consumption of UPFs and minimally processed foods. Secondary outcomes include heart rate, salivation, and metabolic responses to food intake. Participants will be involved in six in-person assessments, use smartphones for EMA, and have their responses closely monitored to understand how different food ingredients influence eating behavior and metabolism.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Biobehavioral Reward Responses Associated With Consumption of Nutritionally Diverse Ultra-Processed Foods
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Men and women aged 18 to 65 years
- Body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher
- Like the foods included in the test snacks, rating them at least 6 out of 10
- No history of severe psychiatric illness; mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or binge eating disorder allowed
- Live in the greater Springfield, Oregon area and can attend six in-person assessments
- Able to access and use a smartphone
You will not qualify if you...
- Medical conditions limiting snack consumption or affecting metabolism
- Type I or II diabetes with HbA1c greater than 6.5
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg or higher)
- Cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack in the past 12 months
- Allergies or aversions to test snack foods
- Use of medications affecting metabolic responses (e.g., metformin)
- Actively pursuing weight loss or lost 5% or more of initial weight in last 6 months
- Severe mood, anxiety, or thought disorders
- Severe binge eating disorder or bulimia
- Active substance use disorders
- Current suicidal thoughts or attempts within past year
- History of bariatric surgery
- Nursing, pregnant, or planning pregnancy within 3 months
- Diagnosed transferrable blood conditions (HIV, hepatitis B or C, syphilis)
- History of dizziness or anxiety during blood draws or difficult vein access
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
6 in-person assessment visits
Duration - 4 visits over several weeks
Participants attend four randomized visits to consume standardized snacks consisting of ultra-processed or minimally processed foods. Subjective experiences and metabolic responses are assessed before and up to 120 minutes after each snack. This period includes an ad-libitum eating period to evaluate subsequent intake.
4 in-person visits, one for each test snack condition
Duration - 5 days after each food consumption visit (total 20 days)
For five days following each food consumption visit, participants report subjective experiences and real-world food consumption through smartphone surveys to assess ongoing responses to the different foods.
Daily smartphone surveys for 5 days after each visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Erica M. LaFata, Ph.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
4
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