How early life stress affects eating behaviors and obesity
Official title: The Role of Early Life Stress in Feeding Behaviors
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11049145 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress in early life affects the brain's control over eating, especially how it might lead to overeating and obesity, so we can better understand why some people develop unhealthy eating habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $226,500 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM148302-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049145 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals under 21 years old who have experienced early life stress and exhibit abnormal feeding behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of early life stress or who are over 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of early life stress on brain circuits that control feeding behaviors, particularly in relation to obesity. By studying the activity of specific neurons in the brain, the researchers aim to understand how stress during early development can lead to changes in eating patterns and increased risk of obesity. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques to observe neuronal activity and its relationship with behaviors like binge eating. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the mechanisms that link early life stress to unhealthy eating habits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating obesity, particularly in individuals who have experienced early life stress.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between early life stress and feeding behaviors, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pereira Cardoso Azevedo, Estefania — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Pereira Cardoso Azevedo, Estefania
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.