Testosterone’s role in binge eating for women
Official title: Phenotypic and Genetic Effects of Endogenous Testosterone on Binge Eating in Women
Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11383752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in women will explore how natural testosterone levels influence binge eating and related brain and genetic factors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $800,361 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH144712-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11383752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women who have concerns about binge eating or related eating disorders and who may have higher testosterone exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without binge eating concerns or without the hormonal profiles studied may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project looks at how testosterone might change a woman’s risk of binge eating by examining brain biology and gene activity. Researchers will use existing data and new analyses to understand how testosterone could drive cravings and eating patterns in females. The study aims to identify mechanisms that explain why some women are more prone to binge eating and how these insights could guide future interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Results could lead to more personalized approaches for predicting and treating binge eating in women.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows sex hormones influence eating behavior, but this project is among the first to focus specifically on testosterone’s role in women.
Where this research is happening
-
Michigan State University
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klump, Kelly L — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Klump, Kelly L
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.