Identifying the Neurobiological and Behavioural Effects of Contrave as Potential Mechanisms of Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity

Background: Obesity is a common chronic disease -particularly in Western nations- that is frequently linked with the presence of other illnesses and earlier death. Typical obesity management strategies might include medication, such as the drug Contrave, which has been approved for weight loss in Canada. While Contrave reduces appetite and food cravings in most people leading to weight loss, exactly how it works on the brain, body and metabolism is unknown. The goal of this clinical research study is to examine the effects of 4-weeks of Contrave+diet vs. placebo pill+diet on the brain using electroencephalography in 40 adults with obesity. All participants will receive an individualized dietary intervention aiming for a 20% food restriction. All measures will be collected before and ~4-weeks after interventions. We hope to gain a better understanding the effects of Contrave on the brain which could lead to substantial improvements in obesity management. Obesity is often comorbid with mood and psychiatric disorders observed across many of the patient populations treated at The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, therefore, better understanding this disease will help in ameliorating its management in the general population and in complex populations treated at The Royal. This clinical research project may pave the way for future studies exploring a better understanding of the potential synergy between weight management and mood/psychiatric pharmacotherapy.

Faculty Supervisor:

Natalia Jaworska

Student:

Partner:

The Royal

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: