Research Centre: Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, The University of Melbourne
Location: Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
Lead Researcher: Trevor Steward, Ph.D.
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee [HREC Number: 22347]

Researchers at the University of Melbourne are interested in better understanding the link between the brain and how we eat. In particular, they want to explore the impact of stress, negative thinking patterns, and genetic and hormonal factors on eating behaviours. With the knowledge gained from this study, researchers hope to better understand the connection between mind and body.

• Eligible participants will be compensated $100 upon completing the study
• Contribute valuable information on the brain and eating behaviours
• Help advance medical research.

• Withdraw from the study at any time
• Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

• Adults aged between 18 and 40 years old with higher weight
• Must not be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or autism spectrum disorder
• Must not have any major hearing or sight difficulties
• Must not have any serious medical conditions, such as traumatic brain
  injury, stroke, epilepsy, or multiple sclerosis
• Must not have a substance and/or alcohol dependence
• Must not feel nervous in small spaces (i.e., in an elevator or in a crowded space) and be willing to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) head scanning
• Must not have any metal in your body (e.g., teeth braces or a pacemaker) or any piercings or jewellery you can’t remove (however, a dental retainer is fine)
• Must not have a lactose intolerance or any other dietary restrictions that would prevent you from consuming chocolate milk
• Must be able to attend a single two-hour study visit at the Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit on a Tuesday Morning

The study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details are:

• Prior to attending an MRI appointment, participants will need approximately 30 minutes to complete psychological questionnaires about different aspects of their eating behaviour, personality, and mood. These questionnaires will be completed online and will be accessed via a link provided after the phone call with a member of the research team.
• Participants will be involved in completing in-person questionnaires and participating in an MRI scan
• Participants will be asked to provide a blood sample (optional)

The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is “committed to being one of the finest universities in the world.” It is currently ranked as the number one university in Australia and is ranked 34th globally. Its researchers are dedicated to making contributions that may enrich the lives of others whilst tackling problems that exist today and potentially in the future.