. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2024 Dec 1.

Published in final edited form as: Contemp Clin Trials. 2023 Nov 5;135:107381. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107381

Table 4:

Inclusion and Exclusion criteria for the Influence of Ultra-processed Foods on Reward Processing and Energy Intake study

Inclusion Criteria
• Age 18-25 years.
• Weight stable (±5 pounds) for the previous 6 months.
• No plans to gain/lose weight or change the physical activity level.
• Willing to pick up food daily and consume food provided for two 14-day periods.
• Willing to consume all study foods.
• Verbal and written informed consent.
• Unrestrained eater (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire - cognitive restraint score <11).
• No reported history of eating disorders.
• Sedentary to recreationally active.
Exclusion Criteria

• BMI >30 kg/m².
• Diagnosis of endocrine disorders or other major chronic diseases (e.g., type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypertension). Individuals on a stable dose of thyroid medication (>6 months) are eligible to participate.
• Pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• Food allergies or aversions.
• Contraindications to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): history of head injury with loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes, claustrophobia, or individuals with pacemakers, aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, cochlear implants, metal in eyes, steel worker, or other implants.

UPF: Ultra-processed Food; BMI: Body Mass Index