Actively Recruiting
Effects of Processed Foods on Brain Reward Circuitry and Food Cue Learning
Led by Stanford University · Updated on 2026-04-24
162
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
229 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
S
Stanford University
Lead Sponsor
U
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Examine if ultra-processed (UP) foods are more effective in activating reward, attention, and memory brain regions and in promoting food cue learning than minimally-processed foods. Assess individual differences in neurobehavioral responses to UP foods.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Effects of Processed Foods on Brain Reward Circuitry and Food Cue Learning
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Female and male adolescents aged 13 to 15 years
- Age- and sex-adjusted BMI scores between the 25th and 75th percentile
- Participant and guardian must be able to read and speak English to provide valid consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Current eating disorders or major psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or substance use disorder
- Contraindications for fMRI such as metal implants, braces, claustrophobia, or pregnancy
- Serious medical conditions including Type 2 diabetes or cancer
- History of food allergies or restrictive dietary diets like lactose intolerance or veganism
- Use of psychoactive drugs more than once weekly
- Use of medications affecting appetite or reward functions, e.g., metformin, antipsychotic medication, insulin
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States, 94305
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Eric Stice, PhD
CONTACT
T
Teena Ambrose, BS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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