Processed Food Diet Impact on Young Adult Eating Habits

(YAEH Trial)

No longer recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Brenda M Davy, PhD, RDN

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Must be taking: ADHD medications

Disqualifiers: Endocrine disorders, Type 2 diabetes, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 8

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how a diet high in ultra-processed foods affects young adults' eating habits and brain responses. Participants will follow a diet with either 81% ultra-processed foods or no ultra-processed foods for two weeks. Researchers seek to understand how these diets impact energy consumption and decision-making abilities. Young adults aged 18–25 who have maintained a stable weight and are willing to follow the diet plan might be a good fit.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on diet and brain health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that participants on ADHD medications can join if they have been on the same medication for more than 3 months.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that consuming a lot of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can lead to health problems. One study found that individuals who ate the most UPFs had a 26% higher risk of becoming overweight or obese. Other studies indicate that consuming many of these foods could increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.

A diet without ultra-processed foods emphasizes whole and natural foods, with no specific safety concerns. This type of diet is generally considered healthy and safe for most people, helping to reduce the risks associated with processed foods.

Overall, evidence suggests that a diet high in UPFs may harm health over time, while a diet without them is likely safe and beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike other studies that focus on medication or behavioral interventions, researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how different levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake can impact young adult eating habits. This trial is unique because it examines the direct effects of a high UPF diet versus a no UPF diet, providing a clear comparison of their impacts. By analyzing these dietary extremes, the trial could reveal important insights into how UPF consumption influences eating behaviors, which might lead to new dietary guidelines or interventions for healthier eating habits.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for altering eating habits in young adults?

This trial will compare the effects of a High Ultra Processed Food Diet with a No Ultra Processed Food Diet on young adult eating habits. Studies have shown that consuming large amounts of ultra-processed foods can harm health, linking these foods to a higher risk of heart and metabolism problems. Many young adults consume ultra-processed foods, which make up more than half of their diet, leading to overeating and weight gain. In contrast, diets without ultra-processed foods are believed to lower these risks and improve overall health. Animal research has also shown that a diet high in processed foods leads to increased consumption and weight gain, supporting these findings. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Brenda M Davy, PhD, RDN

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Alexandra G DiFeliceantonio, PhD

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for young adults aged 18-25 who typically eat a diet with about the same amount of ultra-processed foods as the average US adolescent. Participants should be weight stable, willing to consume provided foods for two periods of 14 days, and not planning any major changes in diet or exercise. They can't have food allergies, metal implants incompatible with MRI scans, a BMI over 30, history of significant head injury, claustrophobia, or chronic diseases like diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria

Verbal and written informed consent

My weight has been stable, within 5 pounds, for the last 6 months.

No reported history of eating disorders

Exclusion Criteria

BMI >30 kg/m2

I have a chronic condition like diabetes, thyroid issues, or high blood pressure.

Claustrophobia

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Controlled Feeding Condition 1

Participants consume a diet containing 81% total energy from ultra-processed foods for 2 weeks.

2 weeks

4 visits (in-person) for fMRI and buffet meal assessments

Controlled Feeding Condition 2

Participants consume a diet containing 0% total energy from ultra-processed foods for 2 weeks.

2 weeks

4 visits (in-person) for fMRI and buffet meal assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in reward processing, energy intake, and executive function after each diet phase.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• High Ultra Processed Food Diet
• No Ultra Processed Food Diet

Trial Overview The study tests how a high ultra-processed food diet affects brain response to these foods, energy intake without restrictions (ad libitum), and executive function compared to a minimally processed food diet in young adults. The participants will switch between diets for two separate periods of 14 days each.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: No Ultra Processed Food Diet Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will consume a diet containing 0% total energy from UPF for 2 weeks.

Group II: High Ultra Processed Food Diet Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will consume a diet containing 81% total energy from UPF for 2 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

162

Recruited

26,900+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A review of 43 studies found that 37 studies linked ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption to various adverse health outcomes, including obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in adults, and cardio-metabolic risks in children.

No studies reported any beneficial health outcomes associated with UPF consumption, highlighting the need for dietary guidelines that consider the health risks of these foods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review. Elizabeth, L., Machado, P., Zinöcker, M., et al.[2021]

A systematic review of 11 studies found that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is positively associated with overweight, obesity, high blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome in adults and the elderly.

The Nova food classification is effective for evaluating the health impacts of food processing, but the evidence quality is moderate for obesity and weak for hypertension and metabolic syndrome, suggesting further research is needed.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Food processing and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review. Santos, FSD., Dias, MDS., Mintem, GC., et al.[2020]

High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is linked to a significant increase in the risk of overweight/obesity (39%), high waist circumference (39%), and metabolic syndrome (79%) based on a systematic review of 23 studies.

In a large cohort of 183,491 participants followed for 3.5 to 19 years, high UPF consumption was associated with a 25% increased risk of all-cause mortality and a 29% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, indicating serious long-term health risks.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and health status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pagliai, G., Dinu, M., Madarena, MP., et al.[2023]

Ultra-processed foods, which are heavily modified and often contain additives, have been linked to lower nutritional quality and increased risks of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and obesity, based on numerous global studies.

Public health authorities are now recommending a reduction in the consumption of ultra-processed foods, but more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind their health impacts and to inform regulations on food additives and processing methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Ultra-processed food : from research to guidelines]. Srour, B., Chazelas, E., Touvier, M.[2022]

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is linked to a higher risk of weight gain and related health issues in both adults and children, based on observational studies.

A mechanistic study indicates that UPFs lead to greater energy intake and weight gain compared to whole foods, suggesting that reducing UPF consumption could improve health outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultra-processed Foods, Weight Gain, and Co-morbidity Risk. Crimarco, A., Landry, MJ., Gardner, CD.[2022]

In a study of 4,202 young adults, ultra-processed foods accounted for over half (51.2%) of their total caloric intake, indicating a significant reliance on these foods in their diets.

Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to increased intake of unhealthy nutrients like sodium, cholesterol, and fats, while being associated with lower intake of beneficial nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and dietary fiber, highlighting the need for dietary interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and their impact on the diet of young adults. Bielemann, RM., Motta, JV., Minten, GC., et al.[2022]

In a study of 20 weight-stable adults over 4 weeks, participants consumed significantly more calories (508 kcal/day) while on an ultra-processed diet compared to an unprocessed diet, leading to weight gain.

The increased energy intake from ultra-processed foods was primarily due to higher carbohydrate and fat consumption, suggesting that reducing ultra-processed food intake could be a key strategy for preventing and treating obesity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake. Hall, KD., Ayuketah, A., Brychta, R., et al.[2021]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05550818?term=AREA%5BBasicSearch%5D(ultra-processed%20food)&rank=10

Study Details | NCT05550818 | Young Adult Eating Habits Evidence from pre-clinical studies demonstrates rodents maintained on a "cafeteria diet" comprised of ultra- processed ingredients have greater energy intake, ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10960188/

Ultra-processed food consumption and children and ... The findings of this review disclose associations between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and harmful health outcomes in childhood and adolescence.

3. bmj.com bmj.com/content/384/bmj-2023-077310

Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes Conclusions Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, ...

4. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195666322003518

Ultra-processed food intakes associated with ' ... The study found higher ultra-processed foods consumption among children classified as food addicted compared with non-food addicted children. A ...

5. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1421728/full

Ultra-processed foods consumption and health-related ... Prospective observational studies have reported significant associations between higher intake of UPFs and adverse health outcomes.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7399967/

Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Outcomes: A Narrative ... Participants in the highest quartile of UPF consumption were at a higher risk of developing overweight/obesity (HR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.10, 1.45) compared with ...

7. med.stanford.edu med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/07/ultra-processed-food--five-things-to-know.html

Ultra-processed food: Five things to know - Stanford Medicine It found “highly suggestive” evidence that greater consumption of these foods increases the risk of death from heart disease by 66%, the risk of ...

8. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2782866

Trends in Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods Among ... In 2017-2018, youths aged 6-11 years (69.0%) and aged 12-19 years (67.7%) consumed a significantly higher percentage of energy from ...

9. cdc.gov cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db536.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Ultra-processed Food Consumption in Youth and Adults Youth ages 1–18 years consumed a higher percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods (61.9%) than adults age 19 and older (53.0%). Among ...