Study of Brain and Metabolic Responses to Glucose, Fat, and Protein Meals in Adults With and Without Obesity

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how different macronutrients affect brain activity and metabolism in people with obesity compared to healthy individuals. This study enrolls 60 adults aged 18 to 40 years, including 30 with obesity and 30 healthy controls. It is a randomized, controlled, crossover trial designed to understand possible neuro-metabolic imbalances related to food intake in obesity. Participants receive three different liquid meal challenges containing glucose, fat, or protein on separate days, with at least a 7-day break between visits to prevent overlap effects. Each meal is standardized to provide 200 kcal and 300 mL volume and is given 6 hours after a standardized pre-load meal. The order of nutrient challenges is randomized across participants to balance treatment sequences. During each visit, participants fast beforehand and undergo clinical tests, body composition analysis, liver fat measurement, and eating behavior questionnaires. They provide blood and stool samples at multiple times after the meal and have brain scans using fMRI to assess brain function related to the nutrient intake. Researchers measure brain responses, blood metabolic profiles, and feelings of fullness to explore the connection between brain activity and metabolism in response to different nutrients. The study includes careful monitoring and detailed data collection over the three experimental days.

Food Intake-Related Brain and Metabolic Responses in Obesity