Obesity, Appetite
Conditions
Keywords
Twins, Obesity, Appetite
Brief summary
Scientists are examining the genetic and environmental influences on appetite and weight gain. The main purpose of this study is to look at how genetic and environmental factors may influence how the brain regulates appetite and food intake. Understanding how the brain regulates appetite and food intake may eventually lead to new ways to help people avoid obesity or lose weight.
Interventions
DEVICEFunctional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Measure brain activity.
RADIATIONDual Energy X-ray absorptiometry
Body composition measurements.
OTHERQuestionnaires
Questionnaires related to: health, weight, sleep, mood, dietary habits, attitudes towards eating, how you describe yourself.
OTHERMood and Appetite Ratings
Answer questions about how you are feeling at the moment.
OTHERTest Meals
Breakfast, a snack, and lunch provided during study visit.
OTHERComputer Tests
Perform a series of computer tests to determine reaction time.
PROCEDUREIntravenous Catheter (IV) placement
Blood samples collected throughout regular intervals during the study visit day to measure levels of hormones involved in regulating appetite and body weight. We will also determine if twins are fraternal or identical and will examine DNA to see if participants carry two genes that affect appetite or body weight, the FTO gene and the MC4R gene.
Sponsors
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Columbia University
University of Washington
Study design
Observational model
FAMILY_BASED
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Ability and willingness to come with their twin to the University of Washington (Seattle) * Additional Criteria for Aim 1 random sample only: Member of randomly selected MZ pair or * Additional criteria for Aim 2 random sample only: One member of MZ or same-sex DZ pair with BMI of at least 30 kg/m\^2 * Additional criteria for Aim 3 sample only: Member of randomly selected MZ pair, and not BMI discordant ≥ 5 kg/m\^2
Exclusion criteria
* History of weight loss surgery or active participation in weight loss program * Major medical problem (e.g., diabetes, cancer) * Current use of weight loss medications or other medications known to alter appetite * Pregnancy or menopause * MRI contraindication (i.e., implanted metal, claustrophobia) * Lifetime eating disorder * Current smoking * Current heavy alcohol use (≥2 drinks per day for females and ≥ 3 drinks per day for males) * Self-reported weight \>330 pounds at time of phone screening. MRI cannot accommodate all shapes or weights. Inability to have MRI does not exclude subject from participating in other study procedures. * BMI \< 18.5 or \> 45 kg/m\^2 * Allergies to study foods or inability to taste * Twins were raised apart * Co-twin not eligible or not willing to participate
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Meal-induced nutrient and hormonal changes in plasma (insulin, GLP-1, ghrelin, glucose) | Baseline |
| Brain activation during fMRI in satiety-related regions | Baseline |
| Body composition: fasting leptin and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) | Baseline |
| DNA evaluation of FTO genotypes | Baseline |
| Objective satiety: caloric and macronutrient intake | Baseline |
| Subjective satiety: visual analog scale (VAS) scores and appeal ratings | Baseline |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed