Exercise and brain biology of stress-related eating in Veterans
Official title: Exercise Effects on the Neurobiology Underlying Stress-Related Eating Behaviors in Veterans
Funded at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · NIH-11413118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how endurance exercise could change the brain processes that drive stress-related eating in Veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002752-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans who experience overweight or obesity with stress-related eating behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without stress-related eating patterns or obesity may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
The study looks at how stress affects eating and how exercise might change the brain networks involved in reward and self-control that influence food choices. It focuses on Veterans and aims to see if a structured endurance exercise program can alter neurobiological mechanisms linked to stress-related eating. Researchers will examine brain function and eating behaviors to identify potential pathways where exercise helps reduce cravings and unhealthy food choices under stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to exercise-based strategies to reduce stress-driven overeating and improve health in Veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests exercise can improve stress responses, but direct links to neurobiology of stress-related eating are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Legget, Kristina T — VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Legget, Kristina T
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.