Cure My Disease

Don't miss your cure!

 Log in / Sign up

Smell your meal: NYC VR study tests if scents curb appetite

NCT ID NCT06662149

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Penn State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether pleasant or unpleasant smells affect how much young adults eat in a virtual reality outdoor café in New York City. Twenty-five healthy people aged 18-29 ate a meal in VR while experiencing different scents. Researchers measured food intake and scent reactions to see if smells could guide healthier eating.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
pleasant or unpleasant smell
What this could lead to
If it works, this could help design outdoor eating areas that encourage healthier eating habits.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, completed study with only 25 healthy adults. Results may not apply to real-world settings or other groups.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEALTHY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Feeding Behavior

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEALTHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Health, Ingestive Behavior, and Technology Laboratory of Pennsylvania State University

    State College, Pennsylvania, 16802, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.