Brain Dopamine Function in Human Obesity
Abstract
Background:
Dopamine is a natural chemical in the brain that may influence eating behavior and physical activity. Researchers want to measure the brain s dopamine activity and understand how it differs in people with obesity.
Objective:
To better understand how brain function, particularly dopamine activity, relates to body weight and eating behavior.
Individuals may be able to participate if they:
Have a BMI of at least 18.5 kg/m2
Are weight-stable and generally healthy
Are between ages 18-45 years
Have normal blood pressure
Are not using illegal drugs (based on urine drug screen)
Are not following a special diet
Do not have metal implants
Design:
Participants will be screened with:
* Medical history
* Physical exam
* Questionnaires and an interview to see if it is safe to have a PET/MRI scan
* Fasting blood and urine tests
* Participants will eat a special diet given to them for the 5 days before their inpatient visit.
Participants will have a 5-day inpatient visit. Some days include blood and urine tests. Each day includes surveys and tests to measure habits and likes/dis-likes. A sample schedule may be:
Day 1: Participants will wear a monitor that uses a needle below the skin to measure glucose. Their body fat will be measured with low-dose x-rays
Day 2: Participants will have a PET scan. They will lie on a table that slides in and out of a donut-shaped scanner. They will be injected with a small amount of a radioactive substance and wear a cap on their head.
Day 3:…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 61 participants or records.
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