How the brain controls eating behavior
Official title: Neural mechanisms that control the rate of ingestion
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11023033 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $435,303 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138127-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11023033 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals experiencing issues with appetite regulation, such as obesity or eating disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have appetite regulation issues or those with conditions unrelated to eating behaviors may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knight, Zachary a. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Knight, Zachary a.
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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.