Study on How Eating Walnuts or Pretzels Affects Brain Responses and Fullness During a 12-Week Diet in Adults with Overweight or Obesity Aged 25 to 45

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how different types of snacks affect brain responses related to eating behaviors during dieting in adults aged 25 to 45 who have overweight or obesity. The study aims to better understand how snack choices might influence brain activity during a calorie-restricted diet. This randomized, double-blind trial is led by the University of Colorado, Denver. Participants will take part in a 12-week diet intervention where they reduce their daily calorie intake. They will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will eat a daily snack of walnuts provided by the study, and the other group will eat a daily snack of pretzels, also provided. During the study, participants will meet weekly with study staff, with some meetings held virtually and in-person visits every 2 to 3 weeks. Throughout the trial, participants will undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI to measure brain responses to visual food cues at the start and end of the 12 weeks. Researchers will also track changes in body fat, appetite after meals, food cravings, dietary restraint, reward-based eating drive, waist circumference, and body weight. This comprehensive monitoring helps assess how snack type affects brain and body responses during dieting.

Snacking Effects on the Brain Response to Foods and Satiety During Dieting