Young Adult Eating Habits

Description

Most individuals with obesity become so before age 35 and adolescent's unhealthy dietary patterns, specifically high intake of ultra-processed foods and poor overall diet quality, may contribute to energy overconsumption and weight gain. The overall objective of this research is to establish proof-of-concept for altered reward processing measured by brain response to ultra-processed foods, an increase in ad libitum energy intake, and adverse effects on executive function in response to an ultra-processed diet (81% total energy) compared to a diet emphasizing minimally processed foods in individuals aged 18-25 years.

Conditions

Eating Behavior, Eating Habit

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Most individuals with obesity become so before age 35 and adolescent's unhealthy dietary patterns, specifically high intake of ultra-processed foods and poor overall diet quality, may contribute to energy overconsumption and weight gain. The overall objective of this research is to establish proof-of-concept for altered reward processing measured by brain response to ultra-processed foods, an increase in ad libitum energy intake, and adverse effects on executive function in response to an ultra-processed diet (81% total energy) compared to a diet emphasizing minimally processed foods in individuals aged 18-25 years.

Influence of Ultra-processed Foods on Reward Processing and Energy Intake

Young Adult Eating Habits

Condition
Eating Behavior
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Blacksburg

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States, 24061

Roanoke

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Roanoke, Virginia, United States, 24016

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Age 18-25 years
  • * Weight stable (+5 lbs) for previous 6 months
  • * No plans to gain/lose weight or change physical activity level
  • * Willing to pick up food daily and consume foods provided for two 14-day periods
  • * Verbal and written informed consent
  • * Unrestrained eater (TFEQ cognitive restraint score \<11)
  • * No reported history of eating disorders
  • * Sedentary to recreationally active
  • * ADHD medications if same med \>3 months at time of study
  • * BMI \>30 kg/m2
  • * Endocrine disorders or other major chronic disease (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypertension)
  • * Pregnant or plans to become pregnant
  • * Food allergies or aversions
  • * Claustrophobia
  • * History of head injury with loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes
  • * Contraindications to MRI: individuals with pacemaker, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal in eyes, steel worker, or other implants.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 25 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,

Alexandra G DiFeliceantonio, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Brenda M Davy, PhD, RDN, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Study Record Dates

2024-12-31