Understanding Binge Eating and Obesity in Adolescents Facing Food Insecurity

Binge Eating as a Mechanism Underlying the Food Insecurity-Obesity Paradox in Adolescents

NIH-funded research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11175403

This project aims to understand how binge eating might connect food insecurity with obesity in teenagers, helping us find better ways to support their health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHenry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-11175403 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research looks at why adolescents who experience food insecurity are more likely to also experience obesity, which can seem like a puzzle. Researchers believe that binge eating might be a key factor connecting these two issues. By understanding this connection, we hope to develop new strategies to prevent obesity in young people from families who struggle to afford enough food. This work is crucial for creating effective health programs for adolescents in under-resourced communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding the experiences of adolescents who face food insecurity and may also be struggling with obesity or binge eating.

Not a fit: Patients not experiencing food insecurity or adolescent obesity may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent obesity and support healthier eating habits for adolescents experiencing food insecurity.

How similar studies have performed: While the link between food insecurity and obesity is known, this specific focus on binge eating as a mechanism is a novel approach to understanding this complex issue.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, 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 2026-06-13 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.