Improving eating behaviors in obesity through implicit priming

Neuronal and behavioral effects of an implicit priming approach to improve eating behaviors in obesity

NIH-funded research University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11181051

This study is looking at how showing people certain images before they see pictures of food can help them feel less attracted to high-calorie foods, which could be helpful for anyone trying to lose or maintain weight.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11181051 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how an implicit priming approach can modify the way individuals respond to food, particularly focusing on reducing the appeal of high-calorie foods. By presenting positive or negative images just before food images, the study aims to change the emotional associations people have with food without them being consciously aware of it. The goal is to understand the underlying brain mechanisms and behavioral changes that can support weight loss and maintenance. Participants may engage in activities that assess their responses to food and how these responses can be influenced by the implicit priming technique.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults struggling with obesity or weight management issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or do not have issues with eating behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for helping individuals manage their eating behaviors and achieve sustainable weight loss.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using conditioning techniques to influence eating behaviors, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Aurora, 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.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
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.