Biology and Experience of Eating in Women With Obesity

Obesity is associated with greater risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), stroke, diabetes, and mortality, and is a heterogeneous condition with various causes and thus a diversity of intervention targets. Compulsive overeating afflicts 30% of people seeking obesity treatment and increases risk for CVD factors. This trial involves two participant visits to test whether opioid blockade (Day 1 or 2, depending on randomization), compared to placebo (Day 1 or 2, depending on randomization), will elicit common symptoms of opioid withdrawal, including nausea. Participants will receive each condition on separate days.

Inclusion criteria

• Obese, as defined by BMI greater than or equal to 30
• Self-reported binge eating as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), in the last 4 weeks
• If sexually active with men, must agree to use birth control until the final study visit is complete (e.g., barrier methods, oral contraceptive)
• Subject must be able to complete written informed consent procedures and be able to comply with the requirements of the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Severe hypotension (< 90/60 mmHg)
• Recent or current use of vasoconstrictor or vasodilator medication
• Current or history of diabetes
• Allergies to any ingredients in naloxone hydrochloride
• History of or current alcoholism or drug dependence
• Bulimia Nervosa as defined in DSM 5
• Current or past use of opiate-containing medications in the last 30 days
• Plan to use opiate-containing medications during study participation period
• Medical conditions that are contraindicated with intranasal procedures: Nasal septal abnormalities, nasal trauma, epistaxis, excessive nasal mucus, and intranasal damage caused by the use of substances (e.g., cocaine)
• Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the subject or the quality of the data