Junk food hijacks teen Brain's reward system, stanford study finds
NCT ID NCT06165952
First seen Apr 30, 2026 · Last updated Jun 19, 2026 · Updated 5 times
Summary
This Stanford study looks at how ultra-processed foods (like sugary drinks and snacks) affect brain areas involved in reward, attention, and memory in 162 teenagers aged 13-15. Participants will have brain scans while tasting and viewing different foods, and will also eat from a buffet to measure intake. The goal is to understand why these foods are so compelling and whether individual differences in brain responses play a role.
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This is a summary of
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Locations
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Stanford University
RECRUITINGStanford, California, 94305, United States
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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 successful, this study could reveal why ultra-processed foods are so appealing and hard to resist, pointing toward better dietary guidelines or interventions for healthy eating.
What could go wrong
This is an observational brain-imaging study, not a treatment trial. It will not directly change health outcomes, and results may not apply to all age groups or diets.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.