How brain activity can predict weight loss success after bariatric surgery
Official title: Neuroimaging predictors of bariatric surgical outcomes
Funded at Hartford Hospital · NIH-10430196 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain activity before weight loss surgery can help predict which patients will successfully lose weight and improve their health afterward, so they can better understand the mental and emotional factors that play a role in weight management.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hartford Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hartford, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $693,629 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK113408-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10430196 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are morbidly obese individuals considering bariatric surgery who have struggled to lose weight through traditional methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not planning to undergo bariatric surgery or those with conditions that prevent them from participating in such procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pre-surgical brain activity, measured through functional MRI (fMRI), can predict the success of weight loss after bariatric surgery. By analyzing neural patterns related to cravings and self-control, the study aims to identify which patients are more likely to achieve significant weight loss and improved health outcomes. The research will follow patients over a longer period to assess the reliability of these predictions and their impact on various health measures beyond just weight loss. This approach seeks to enhance understanding of the psychological and neurological factors that influence weight management post-surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized treatment plans for bariatric surgery patients, improving their chances of sustained weight loss and better overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using brain activity to predict weight loss outcomes, indicating that this approach may be a valuable tool in bariatric surgery.
Where this research is happening
-
Hartford Hospital
Hartford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papasavas, Pavlos — Hartford Hospital
- Study coordinator: Papasavas, Pavlos
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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.