Effects of Monosodium Glutamate on Energy Balance and Eating Behavior

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study will test whether regular consumption of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) immediately prior to each of the three major meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) inhibits body weight and fat regain following a period of moderate, yet clinically significant weight loss.

Detailed Description
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The proposed study enables us to assess the long term effects of consuming MSG on body weight regain following weight loss.

Official Title
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Effects of Ingesting Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) on Energy Balance and Eating Behavior Following Moderate Energy Restriction and Weight Loss in Overweight Women

Conditions
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Obesity, Weight Gain, Food Preferences

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Broth
* Other: Broth


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Women Age 19-45 BMI 27-35 Blood pressure <140/90 Non-smoking Exclusion Criteria: Anemic: hgb < 11.5 mg/dL Sensitivity to MSG (self reported) Pregnant or planning to get pregnant Taking medication for hypertension, depression, or weight loss Diabetic Vegetarian MRI Contraindications: internal metal, braces on teeth, history of metal in the eye, claustrophobia blindness or heavily corrected vision not fluent in English

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 19 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo Comparator: Broth- NaCl<br>Sodium chloride containing broth matched for sodium content to the MSG broth | Other: Broth<br>* 200 mL of sodium chloride containing broth, consumed three times per day<br>|
| Active Comparator: Broth- MSG<br>MSG containing broth with the same sodium content as the placebo comparator. | Other: Broth<br>* 200 mL of MSG containing broth consumed three times per day<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in body weight | Subjects will have their body weight measured to determine the effect of MSG on body weight regain following weight loss. | weeks 11, 12, and 25 | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in body fat | Volunteers will have their body fat measured by DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry) to determine the effect of MSG on body fat regain following weight loss. | weeks 11 and 25 | 
| Change in eating behavior | The effect of MSG on eating behavior will be measured using questionnaires, sensory evaluation testing, stress responsivity, and liking and wanting tests, and appetite assessments. | weeks 11, 12 and 25 | 
| Change in resting energy expenditure | The effect of MSG on resting energy expenditure will be measured using respiratory gas exchange using a metabolic cart system. | weeks 11, 12, and 25 | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Obesity, Food preferences, Eating Behavior