Studying the Hedonic and Homeostatic Regulation of Food Intake Using Functional MRI

Physiological Regulation of Energy Intake - The FOOD-PRINT Study Identifying the Hormonal and Neural Footprints of the Visceroceptive, Homeostatic, and Hedonic Components of Food Intake Regulation in Humans

The purpose of this study is to investigate how gut hormones and brain areas respond differently to gastric distention, tasteless calories, or palatable food and how this alters appetite.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 18-25 kg/m^2.
• Weight stable for 3 months prior to study entry.
• For females: study days will be scheduled during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle (i.e., the first 13 days (about 2 weeks) of the cycle).
• Able to provide written informed consent prior to any study procedures and be willing and able to follow study procedures..
• Ability to perform light to moderate physical activity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any contraindication for MRI scanning.
• Any history of childhood (> 95th percentile) or adult obesity (BMI >30 kg/m^2).
• Claustrophobia.
• High intensity training or physical activity.
• Any contraindication for intragastric balloon insertion.
• Any allergies to the study meals.
• Any history of eating disorder.
• Any substance abuse disorder (including alcohol and tobacco).
• Any history of psychiatric disorders.
• Any cardiovascular, endocrine, pulmonary, neurological, or gastrointestinal comorbidities.
• Pregnancy or nursing.
• Any history of bariatric surgery or endoscopic bariatric procedure.
• Use of any medication or supplement that alters appetite.
• Patient has a known history of any condition or factor judged by the investigator to prevent participation in the study or which might hinder study adherence.