Actively Recruiting
Snacking Effects on the Brain Response to Foods and Satiety During Dieting
Led by University of Colorado, Denver · Updated on 2026-03-23
70
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead Sponsor
C
California Walnut Commission
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Snacking Effects on the Brain Response to Foods and Satiety During Dieting
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 25 to 45 years
- Body mass index (BMI) of at least 27 kg/m2
- Comfortable completing a weight-loss diet
- Willing to eat a daily snack of walnuts or pretzels provided by the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Allergy to nuts or wheat
- History of bariatric surgery
- Current eating disorder
- Current illicit substance use
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or less than 6 months postpartum
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure (over 160/100 mmHg)
- Significant endocrine, metabolic, kidney, liver, or blood diseases affecting study results
- Taking injectable diabetes medications, sulfonylureas, or meglitinides
- Use of weight-loss medications or steroids within about 3 months before study
- Recent significant mental health changes or hospitalizations
- Neurological illnesses or injuries affecting MRI data
- Weight change greater than 10% in the past 3 months
- Currently in another weight-loss study
- Not comfortable with study meals or highly restrictive diets
- MRI exclusion criteria like metal in the body or weight over 500 lbs
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants follow a 12 week diet intervention reducing daily caloric intake and consume a daily snack of walnuts or pretzels provided by the study team.
Weekly visits with study staff, including some virtual meetings and in-person visits every 2 to 3 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Allison Hild, BS
K
Kristina T Legget, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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