Hormonal Control of Energy and Macronutrient Intake in Obesity (MEMORY)

This study is investigating how what you eat affects what you want to eat next — specifically whether a high-carbohydrate or high-protein liquid meal changes your food preferences and intake at a subsequent meal, and whether gut hormones like FGF21 drive these effects differently across people with normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Understanding these 'food memory' mechanisms may lead to better personalized treatments for obesity. Adults aged 18 to 45 with a BMI between 18.5 and 39.9 who do not smoke, are not pregnant, and do not have diabetes or eating disorders are eligible, with regular menstruation required for women. Participation involves a screening visit and two test visits where you consume either a carbohydrate or protein drink and then have access to a buffet meal, with blood samples and questionnaires collected throughout. This summary was prepared to help patients understand the study in plain language.