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Ultra Crave: An Investigation of Ultra-Processed Food
Sponsor: University of Michigan
Summary
This study experimentally investigates whether a reduction in ultra-processed (UP) food intake (1) causes aversive withdrawal symptoms in humans, (2) increases the motivational salience of UP food cues and, if so, (3) whether these factors undermine the ability to adhere to a low-UP diet. The following aims and hypotheses are tested: Aim 1: To investigate whether aversive physical, cognitive, and affective withdrawal symptoms emerge in response to reduced UP food intake compared to a high-UP diet, and whether this predicts failure to adhere to a low-UP diet. H1a: Reducing UP food intake will result in aversive physical, cognitive, and affective withdrawal symptoms, as indicated by 1) ecological momentary assessment (EMA) reports of aversive withdrawal symptoms, and 2) heart rate reactivity and subjective distress to an in-lab stressor. H1b: Aversive symptoms of UP food withdrawal will predict greater UP food intake and higher blood glucose levels when trying to adhere to a low UP diet. Aim 2: To investigate whether increased motivational salience of UP food cues emerges in response to reduced UP food intake, and whether this predicts failure to maintain a low-UP diet. H2a: Reducing UP food intake will result in increased motivational salience of UP food cues, as indicated by 1) EMA reports of UP food craving, 2) heart rate reactivity and subjective craving in a simulated fast-food restaurant, 3) heightened reinforcement value for UP food relative to other reinforcers, and 4) greater reward-related neural response to UP food cues. H2b: Increased motivational salience of UP food cues will predict greater UP food intake and higher blood glucose levels when trying to adhere to a low UP diet.
Official title: Ultra Crave: A Biopsychobehavioral Investigation of Withdrawal From Ultra-Processed Food in Humans
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
22 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
210
Start Date
2023-08-05
Completion Date
2028-08-05
Last Updated
2025-05-14
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Low UP (meals provided)
This study incorporates within- and between-subject comparisons. All participants complete a series of three in-lab visits with remote data collection: Visit 1 and the following week comprise the baseline assessment period. Visit 2 and the following week comprise the dietary intervention period. Food is provided by the study team for 7 days in accordance with a low UP diet. Visit 3 assesses post-dietary intervention outcomes. All participants will complete remote assessments at 1 month and 3 month follow-up.
Low UP (self-guided)
Visit 1 and the following week comprise the baseline assessment period. Visit 2 and the following week comprise the dietary intervention period. Participants are asked to eat a low UP diet according to study provided nutritional guidance. Visit 3 assesses post-dietary intervention outcomes. All participants will complete remote assessments at 1 month and 3 month follow-up.
Active Control
Visit 1 and the following week comprise the baseline assessment period. Visit 2 and the following week comprise the dietary intervention period. Participants are asked to eat as they normally do. Visit 3 assesses post-dietary intervention outcomes. All participants will complete remote assessments at 1 month and 3 month follow-up.
Locations (1)
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States