Brain scans reveal how your diet may fuel obesity

NCT ID NCT05626907

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Washington Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether short-term diet changes cause inflammation in the hypothalamus, a brain region that controls body weight. Overweight adults aged 20-40 eat specially prepared meals for 14 days, alternating between high- and low-calorie periods. Researchers use MRI scans to measure signs of brain inflammation called gliosis. The goal is to understand how poor nutrition might lead to obesity through effects on the brain.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: diet modification (controlled meals for 14 days with varying calorie levels)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could reveal how poor diet triggers brain inflammation that drives obesity, pointing toward new prevention strategies.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 36 participants, so results may not apply broadly. It measures brain changes, not weight loss or health outcomes.

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.

Gliosis Obesity obesity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

EATING GLIOSIS OBESITY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, 98109, United States

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