Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on Energy Balance and Eating Behavior

Effects of Ingesting Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) on Energy Balance and Eating Behavior Following Moderate Energy Restriction and Weight Loss in Overweight Women

This study will test whether regular consumption of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) immediately prior to each of the three major meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) inhibits body weight and fat regain following a period of moderate, yet clinically significant weight loss.

The proposed study enables us to assess the long term effects of consuming MSG on body weight regain following weight loss.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women
• Age 19-45
• BMI 27-35
• Blood pressure <140/90
• Non-smoking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Anemic: hgb < 11.5 mg/dL
• Sensitivity to MSG (self reported)
• Pregnant or planning to get pregnant
• Taking medication for hypertension, depression, or weight loss
• Diabetic
• Vegetarian
• MRI Contraindications: internal metal, braces on teeth, history of metal in the eye, claustrophobia
• blindness or heavily corrected vision
• not fluent in English