Testing the Abuse Liability of Hyper-palatable Foods

Bet You Can't Eat Just One: Testing the Abuse Liability of Hyper-palatable Foods

The study will conduct a laboratory study designed to evaluate the rewarding and addictive properties of hyper-palatable foods (HPF), using potato chips as the food stimulus/sample HPF.

A within-subjects, double-blind, randomized crossover design will be used to test the abuse liability of a commonly consumed hyper-palatable food (HPF; potato chips) in controlled laboratory conditions, compared to a negative (non-HPF) control and modified doses (Aim 1). In alignment with FDA requirements, the study will randomize participants to complete four study sessions in one of four mixed orders to counterbalance the ordering of food stimuli across participants. One food will be assessed per session. Abuse liability tests will consist of an acute dose effects comparison to evaluate differences in acute rewarding effects, and a test of HPF reinforcing effects via a self-administration task and behavioral economic food purchase task. Participants will be community members who report high dietary intake of potato chips (HPF stimulus in the study), and do not have substance use disorder or eating disorders, which may present confounds.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults 18+ years old
• High dietary intake of regular potato chips (HPF stimulus in the study), identified as >=3 times per week via a standard dietary history questionnaire
• Like potato chips, the study-provided food (rating of >6 out of 10 on visual analogue scale) and willing to consume them in the lab.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently prescribed medications for weight loss (e.g., Ozempic), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use disorder, or binge eating disorder
• Substance use disorder diagnosis in the past year (self-reported) or substantial consequences from substance use in the past year (score on Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 of 6 or higher)
• Eating disorder diagnosis in the past year
• Bariatric surgery in the past year
• Dietary allergies or restrictions to gluten
• Dietary allergies or restrictions to root vegetables
• Currently participating in a weight management treatment program or engaging in dietary modification to induce weight loss
• Trying to cut down on HPF intake
• Diagnosed smell or taste dysfunction
• Currently pregnant
• Diagnosed cognitive impairment (self-reported)