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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02483663

Brain Regulation of Appetite in Twins

Scientists are examining the genetic and environmental influences on appetite and weight gain. The main purpose of this study is to look at how genetic and environmental factors may influence how the brain regulates appetite and food intake. Understanding how the brain regulates appetite and food intake may eventually lead to new ways to help people avoid obesity or lose weight.

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Key information

Conditions

Obesity Appetite Body Weight Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Ability and willingness to come with their twin to the University of Washington (Seattle)
  • Additional Criteria for Aim 1 random sample only: Member of randomly selected MZ pair or
  • Additional criteria for Aim 2 random sample only: One member of MZ or same-sex DZ pair with BMI of at least 30 kg/m^2
  • Additional criteria for Aim 3 sample only: Member of randomly selected MZ pair, and not BMI discordant ≥ 5 kg/m^2

Exclusion criteria

  • History of weight loss surgery or active participation in weight loss program
  • Major medical problem (e.g., diabetes, cancer)
  • Current use of weight loss medications or other medications known to alter appetite
  • Pregnancy or menopause
  • MRI contraindication (i.e., implanted metal, claustrophobia)
  • Lifetime eating disorder
  • Current smoking
  • Current heavy alcohol use (≥2 drinks per day for females and ≥ 3 drinks per day for males)
  • Self-reported weight >330 pounds at time of phone screening. MRI cannot accommodate all shapes or weights. Inability to have MRI does not exclude subject from participating in other study procedures.
  • BMI < 18.5 or > 45 kg/m^2
  • Allergies to study foods or inability to taste
  • Twins were raised apart
  • Co-twin not eligible or not willing to participate

Treatment and study plan

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Device

Measure brain activity.

Other names: fMRI

Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry

Radiation

Body composition measurements.

Other names: DXA

questionnaires

Other

Questionnaires related to: health, weight, sleep, mood, dietary habits, attitudes towards eating, how you describe yourself.

Mood and Appetite Ratings

Other

Answer questions about how you are feeling at the moment.

Test Meals

Other

Breakfast, a snack, and lunch provided during study visit.

Computer Tests

Other

Perform a series of computer tests to determine reaction time.

Intravenous Catheter (IV) placement

Procedure

Blood samples collected throughout regular intervals during the study visit day to measure levels of hormones involved in regulating appetite and body weight. We will also determine if twins are fraternal or identical and will examine DNA to see if participants carry two genes that affect appetite or body weight, the FTO gene and the MC4R gene.

Primary outcomes

  1. Meal-induced nutrient and hormonal changes in plasma (insulin, GLP-1, ghrelin, glucose)

    Time frame: Baseline

  2. Brain activation during fMRI in satiety-related regions

    Time frame: Baseline

  3. Body composition: fasting leptin and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

    Time frame: Baseline

  4. DNA evaluation of FTO genotypes

    Time frame: Baseline

  5. Objective satiety: caloric and macronutrient intake

    Time frame: Baseline

  6. Subjective satiety: visual analog scale (VAS) scores and appeal ratings

    Time frame: Baseline

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Washington

Other

Collaborators

  • Columbia University
  • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Registry information

Acronym: BRAT

Important dates

Study start
2010
Primary completion
2015
Study completion
2015
First posted
Jun 29, 2015
Registry last updated
Oct 27, 2017

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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