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
214 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
The changing food environment, with increasingly abundant ultra-processed food (UPF) options, may directly contribute to rising rates of obesity, though it is unknown which ingredients in UPF elevate their reinforcing nature in a way that may lead to overconsumption. The proposed study is the first to systematically examine differences in the rewarding characteristics of and physiological and metabolic responses to UPFs that are high in fat, refined carbohydrates (like sugar), or both. Understanding the biobehavioral underpinnings that enhance the reinforcing potential of ingredients in UPF (e.g., fat vs. refined carbohydrates) can inform novel intervention targets for the treatment of overeating and obesity.
CONDITIONS
Official 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 compulsory test snacks at a rating of 6 or higher on a 1-10 scale
- No history of severe psychiatric illness; may have mild to moderate depression, anxiety, or binge eating disorder
- Live in the greater Springfield, Oregon area and willing/able to attend six in-person assessments
- Have access to and are willing/able to use a smartphone
You will not qualify if you...
- Medical condition limiting consumption of test snack foods or affecting metabolic responses to food
- Type I or II diabetes with HbA1c greater than 6.5
- Uncontrolled hypertension with blood pressure 140/90 mm Hg or higher
- Cardiovascular event in the past 12 months (e.g., stroke, heart attack)
- Dietary allergies or aversions to the test snack foods
- Taking medications influencing metabolic responses (e.g., metformin)
- Actively trying to lose weight or lost 5% or more of body weight in last 6 months
- Severe mood, anxiety, thought disorders or severe binge eating disorder or bulimia
- Active substance-use disorders
- Current suicidal thoughts or suicide attempt within past year
- History of bariatric surgery
- Women who are nursing, pregnant, or planning pregnancy within 3 months
- Diagnosis of transferrable blood conditions (HIV, hepatitis B or C, syphilis)
- History of dizziness or anxiety during blood draws or difficulty finding veins
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Erica M. LaFata, Ph.D.
CONTACT
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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