Crave Crush Neuroimaging Study

Effects of Gymnemic Acids Lozenge on Reward Region Response to Receipt and Anticipated Receipt of High-Sugar Food, High-Sugar Food Pictures, and Ad Lib Candy Intake

The purpose of the research is to test whether a gymnemic acids (GA) lozenge will reduce reward region response to intake of high-sugar food and ad lib candy intake and whether the GA lozenge reduced reward region response to anticipated intake of high-sugar food and high-sugar food pictures relative to a placebo lozenge.

Test the hypothesis that an acute dose of Crave Crush will produce greater reductions in reward region response to a taste of a high-sugar/high-fat beverage and anticipated receipt of this beverage than a placebo dose.

Test the hypothesis that a dose of Crave Crush will result in reduced ad lib candy intake while the participants complete a survey after the fMRI scan. Participants will receive a second dose of Crave Crush or placebo. They will then be placed in a room to complete a few surveys. A bowl of candy will be placed on the table. Participants will be told that the candy is left over from their assessment and that they are free to have as much as they like, because the candy must be discarded after each participant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 18 and 50 years old
• report having a sweet tooth
• report desire to lose weight
• Body Mass Index between 18 and 40

Exclusion Criteria:

• major psychiatric disorders
• serious health problems (e.g., diabetes)
• habitual use of psychoactive drugs or medications
• contraindications for MRI scanning (e.g., ferromagnetic braces)
• gluten or lactose intolerance
• a vegan diet.