How diet affects impulsivity in young people
Official title: Diet and the neurodevelopment of impulsivity
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11159690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | August 2, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $594,644 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK140275-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents and young adults who may be experiencing issues with impulsivity and eating behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to a Western diet or those with pre-existing neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noble, Emily Elizabeth — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Noble, Emily Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BRD4 and NIPBL work together to control facial bone development
A study in mice and cell models will explore how BRD4 and NIPBL work together to control how genes are turned on in facial development, which could clarify causes of craniofacial disorders.
-
Sulfated glycosaminoglycan hydrogels to protect brain volume after traumatic injury
A new implantable gel made from specially sulfated sugars may help prevent brain shrinkage and improve function after a serious brain injury.
-
Understanding how Kaposi’s sarcoma virus switches on late genes during infection
Scientists are studying how the virus causing Kaposi’s sarcoma turns on late genes when its DNA copies itself, which could reveal new ways to treat cancer in people with AIDS.
-
Understanding how cells control signals and adhesion with the secretory pathway
A funded NIH project looks at how the cell’s secretory system shapes signals, receptors, and attachment to the outside of the cell, which can influence many human diseases.
-
AI-powered math and machine learning for bioscience and drug discovery
A broad NIH grant supports using advanced math and AI to better predict viral variants and aid drug discovery, with the goal of helping patients by accelerating pandemic response.
-
AI-driven platform to predict vaccine-escape variants and design mutation-proof antibodies
An AI-powered approach aims to anticipate SARS-CoV-2 variants that may dodge vaccines and to create antibodies that stay effective.
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.