Processed Food Diet Impact on Young Adult Eating Habits

(YAEH Trial)

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

32 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Most individuals with obesity become so before age 35 and adolescent's unhealthy dietary patterns, specifically high intake of ultra-processed foods and poor overall diet quality, may contribute to energy overconsumption and weight gain. The overall objective of this research is to establish proof-of-concept for altered reward processing measured by brain response to ultra-processed foods, an increase in ad libitum energy intake, and adverse effects on executive function in response to an ultra-processed diet (81% total energy) compared to a diet emphasizing minimally processed foods in individuals aged 18-25 years.

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.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment High Ultra Processed Food Diet, No Ultra Processed Food Diet on young adult eating habits?

Research shows that consuming a diet high in ultra-processed foods can lead to increased calorie intake and weight gain, while a diet with no ultra-processed foods can help with weight loss. This suggests that reducing ultra-processed foods may improve eating habits and prevent obesity. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is a diet high in ultra-processed foods safe for young adults?

Research shows that a diet high in ultra-processed foods is linked to weight gain, obesity, and increased risk of various health issues like heart disease and diabetes. While these foods are common, they are generally not considered safe for long-term health. ^{3 4 5 6 7}

How does the High Ultra Processed Food Diet treatment differ from other treatments for eating habits in young adults?

This treatment is unique because it specifically examines the impact of ultra-processed foods on eating habits by comparing a diet high in these foods to one without them, highlighting the role of food processing in dietary choices and health outcomes, unlike other treatments that may not focus on food processing levels. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Research Team

Alexandra G DiFeliceantonio, PhD

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Brenda M Davy, PhD, RDN

Principal Investigator

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Eligibility Criteria

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.

I am between 18 and 25 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

BMI >30 kg/m2

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

Claustrophobia

Timeline

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

Treatment Details

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.

Participant Groups

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+

Findings from Research

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

References

1. Brazil pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and their impact on the diet of young adults. [2022]

2. Brazil pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Food processing and cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review. [2020]

3. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review. [2021]

4. United States 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. [2021]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Consumption of ultra-processed foods and health status: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]

6. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Ultra-processed food : from research to guidelines]. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Ultra-processed Foods, Weight Gain, and Co-morbidity Risk. [2022]