RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07428187

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

Sponsor

University of Colorado, Denver

Enrollment

70 participants

Start Date

Mar 5, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Overweight/Obesity

Summary

This study plans to learn more about how different types of snacks may affect brain processes relating to eating behaviors during a diet intervention.

Eligibility

Min Age: 25 YearsMax Age: 45 Years

Inclusion Criteria4

years old
BMI at least 27 kg/m2
Comfortable completing a weight-loss intervention\\
Willing to consume a daily snack of either walnuts or pretzels

Exclusion Criteria14

Nut or wheat allergy
History of bariatric surgery
Current eating disorder
Current illicit substance use
Current pregnancy, lactation (or less than 3 months after stopping lactation), or less than 6 months postpartum
Uncontrolled hypertension (\>160/100 mmHg)
Significant endocrine/metabolic disease kidney disease, liver disease, or blood disease that would be anticipated to affect study results
Taking injectable medications, sulfonylureas, or meglitinides for diabetes treatment
Taking weight-loss medications, or steroids within \~3 months prior to study participation (e.g., GLP-1 receptor agonists)
Significant mental health changes within \~3 months prior to study participation (e.g., medication adjustments, new psychiatric diagnoses, hospitalization relating to mental health concerns)
Neurological illnesses or injury that would be anticipated to affect MRI data
Weight change greater than 10% within 3 months prior to study participation
Currently participating in another weight-loss study
Not comfortable eating the study-provided meals (with allowances for dietary preferences) and/or following a highly restrictive diet (e.g., vegan)

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Interventions

OTHERSnack Type 1: Walnuts

Participants will complete a 12 week diet intervention, during which they will be asked to reduce their daily caloric intake. During the diet intervention, participants in the Snack Type 1 group will be asked to eat a daily snack of walnuts, which will be provided by the study team.

OTHERSnack Type 2: Pretzels

Participants will complete a 12 week diet intervention, during which they will be asked to reduce their daily caloric intake. During the diet intervention, participants in the Snack Type 2 group will be asked to eat a daily snack of pretzels, which will be provided by the study team.