Obesity and Brain: Genes and Environment

The Role of Central Reward and Satiety Centers in the Etiology of Obesity: Genetic and Environmental Influences

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of genetic and environmental risk factors on central nervous system (CNS) reward and satiety circuits in the etiology of obesity. The investigators will also investigate to what extent the alterations in CNS reward and satiety circuits are a cause or a consequence of the development of obesity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18-75 years
• Male or female
• Stable bodyweight (<5% reported weight change during previous 3 months)
• Women: regular menstruation cycle (to exclude possible menstruation cycle effects)
• Normal fasting blood glucose

Exclusion Criteria:

• Left handedness
• Known diabetes or abnormal fasting blood glucose
• Serious heart, pulmonary, hepatic or renal disease, malignant or hematological disease
• Metabolic disorders (uncontrolled adrenal/thyroid disease)
• Women: irregular menstruation cycle
• Neurological or psychiatric illness
• Pregnancy or breast feeding
• Alcohol abuse
• Nicotine abuse
• Claustrophobia or metal implants
• Visual disability
• Participation in another study
• Inability to understand the protocol or to give informed consent
• Current/chronic use of following medication: antihyperglycemic agents, glucocorticoids, centrally acting drugs, cytostatics, immune suppressants, potentially addictive medications.