How diet affects impulsivity in young people

Diet and the neurodevelopment of impulsivity

NIH-funded research University of Georgia · NIH-11159690

This study looks at how eating a diet full of fats and sugars during teenage years affects brain development and impulsive eating habits in both boys and girls, helping us understand how what we eat when we're young can lead to unhealthy choices later in life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Georgia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Athens, United States)
Project IDNIH-11159690 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how consuming a Western diet high in saturated fats and sugars during adolescence impacts brain development and impulsive eating behaviors in both males and females. The study will explore the relationship between diet and impulsivity by examining brain regions involved in decision-making and reward processing. By using animal models, the researchers aim to understand how early dietary choices can lead to increased impulsivity and unhealthy eating patterns in adulthood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who may be experiencing issues with impulsivity and eating behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to a Western diet or those with pre-existing neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better dietary recommendations and interventions to reduce impulsive eating behaviors and obesity in young people.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that dietary patterns can significantly influence behavior and brain development, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Athens, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.