Investigating the impact of microbiome-changing interventions on food decision-making: MIFOOD study protocol

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiome Research
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Obesity is a global health challenge with rising costs, necessitating novel prevention and treatment strategies.
• The gut microbiome significantly influences eating behavior through metabolic, hormonal, and neuronal pathways.
• Understanding the gut-brain axis is crucial for addressing obesity and related eating disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of prebiotic and neurocognitive behavioral interventions on food decision-making in individuals with overweight or obesity.
• To explore the underlying gut-brain axis mechanisms, including microbiome composition and metabolites, that mediate these effects.
• To provide causal evidence on how "bottom-up" (microbiome) and "top-down" (cognitive) processes influence food choices.

Main Methods:

• A 26-week parallel-arm Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) involving 90 participants with overweight or obesity.
• Interventions included daily soluble fiber (inulin) supplementation or weekly neurocognitive behavioral group sessions, compared to a placebo.
• Food decision-making was assessed using task-based Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at baseline and follow-up, with secondary measures including gut microbiome analysis.

Main Results:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract.

Conclusions:

• Dietary prebiotics may enhance gut microbiome composition, positively impacting gut-brain signaling and cognitive functions related to eating.
• Neurocognitive behavioral interventions show promise in improving eating habits and metabolic health.
• This study offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the complex interplay of the gut microbiome, brain function, and food decision-making in obesity.