The Effect of Neurofeedback on Eating Behaviour

Primary objective: We want to investigate whether the training-induced up-regulation of the dorsal prefrontal cortex inhibits eating behaviour. Study design: A parallel design. Half of the participants will learn to up-regulate activity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), while the other participants will participate in sham-training sessions. Adherence to experimental conditions will be assigned randomly, based on the participants' enrolment in the study, balanced by gender and binge eating classification. Study population: 50 overweight and obese (BMI 25-40 kg/m2), but otherwise healthy individuals, 18-65 years old. Intervention: All participants will participate in a screening day, followed by one neurofeedback session day and a follow-up day. During the neurofeedback session, participants will undergo a 45 min real-time-fMRI-brain-computer-interface scan in order to learn to up-regulate dlPFC activation. Main study parameters/endpoints: 1. The ability to up-regulate dlPFC activity. 2. Respective effects on eating behaviour. Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation: Participants will be scanned once (fMRI). Functional MRI is a safe and non-invasive technique.