NCT06426693 · Yale University
Craving Network Neurofeedback
What this study is about
This project tests whether individuals with overweight or obesity and high craving can learn to change their brain response to food cues using neurofeedback, to impact their craving and eating behavior.
View original scientific description
This project tests whether individuals with overweight or obesity and high craving can learn to change their brain response to food cues using neurofeedback, to impact their craving and eating behavior.
Interventions
DEVICE
Experimental feedback
Participants provided with feedback of target brain activation patterns (e.g., thermometer) and will be instructed to try to change the feedback (e.g., decrease the thermometer).
DEVICE
Control feedback
Participants provided with control (sham, yoked to another participant) feedback (e.g., thermometer) and will be instructed to try to change the feedback (e.g., decrease the thermometer).
Primary outcome measures
Change in craving network strength during transfer runs
Time frame: Week 1 and 3
Craving network strength will be measured during transfer (i.e., no feedback) runs and compared across scan sessions.
Change in Food Craving Inventory Mean Score
Time frame: Week 1, Week 7
Food Craving Inventory has 28 items rated 1-5 and overall mean is calculated, range 1-5 with higher score indicating higher craving. FCI will be compared between baseline and 1 month follow-up.
Change in Automated Self-Administered 24-hour (ASA24®) Dietary Assessment Tool Healthy Eating Index (HEI).
Time frame: Week 1, Week 7
ASA-24 HEI is scored 0-100 with 100 indicating healthier diet and composite scores examined to interpret the overall score. HEI will be compared between baseline and 1 month follow-up.
Change in craving network strength during resting state runs
Time frame: Week 1 and 3
Craving network strength will be measured during resting state runs and compared across scan sessions.
Change in Food Rating Task healthiness, tastiness, and choice scores
Time frame: Week 1, Week 7
Food Rating Task outcomes include healthiness, tastiness, and choice. Healthiness and tastiness mean score is taken, range 1-5, with 5 indicating higher healthiness or tastiness. Choice is counted from 0-48 items choosing the food item over the neutral reference food item, with higher values indicating more frequent choice. Food Ratings will be compared between baseline and 1 month follow-up.
Change in Food Snack Task caloric intake
Time frame: Week 1 and 3
Food Snack Task will be used to measure caloric intake (out of a maximum value to calories offered) and compared across scan sessions.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Ages 18 to 60 years
- Body mass index \>25 kg/m2
- \>2.37 Food Craving Inventory score
Exclusion criteria
- Current or past 6 months use of anti-obesity medications
- Weight-reduced state defined as \>10% weight reduction in the past 6 months.
- Nicotine use
- Current diagnosis of neurological or psychiatric disorder
- Obesity-related diseases such as type-2 diabetes
- Contraindications to MRI
- Baseline scanning with motion \>0.15mm frame to frame displacement.
Where
- New Haven, Connecticut
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 3, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations