Could overeating be like addiction? brain study explores link

NCT ID NCT01948414

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at brain activity in 108 women to see if overeating shares features with addiction. Researchers measured brain waves (P300) while women listened to sounds, and also asked about eating habits and mood. The goal was to compare obese women with eating disorders to those without, and to lean women, to find clues about how the brain processes food-related cues.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If this study finds similarities, it could point toward understanding overeating as an addiction-like condition, potentially guiding future treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed observational study, not a treatment trial. Results may not lead to direct therapies or apply to broader populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

eating disorder Hyperphagia Obesity obesity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HYPERALIMENTATION AND OBESITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

CRNH Rhône-Alpes /CENS Centre Européen pour la Nutrition et la Santé Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud - Pavillon médical 165, chemin du Grand Revoyet

Pierre-Bénite, 69310, France

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