How the brain controls eating behavior

Neural mechanisms that control the rate of ingestion

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11023033

This study is looking at how our brains use different senses like sight, smell, taste, and texture to help us feel hungry or full when we eat, and it’s for anyone curious about how our bodies control appetite.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11023033 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the brain processes various sensory signals related to food intake, such as sight, smell, taste, and texture, to regulate appetite. It aims to understand the neural circuits in the brainstem that manage the feelings of hunger and fullness during meals. By examining the mechanisms that govern these processes, the study will explore how different brain regions communicate to control feeding behavior in real-time. This could lead to insights into how our bodies manage food consumption and appetite.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals experiencing issues with appetite regulation, such as obesity or eating disorders.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have appetite regulation issues or those with conditions unrelated to eating behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing eating behaviors and addressing obesity and related disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in understanding appetite regulation through neural mechanisms, indicating that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 2026-06-09 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.