Understanding brain circuits that influence food-related impulsive behavior
Official title: Neural circuits mediating food impulsive behavior
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11088698 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain influence impulsive eating behaviors in people with obesity and binge-eating disorder, hoping to find new ways to help those who struggle with making healthy food choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,574 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK138777-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088698 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who struggle with obesity or binge-eating disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues with impulsive eating behaviors or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain circuits affect impulsive behaviors related to food, particularly in individuals with obesity and binge-eating disorder. It focuses on two types of impulsivity: impulsive actions, where individuals fail to suppress inappropriate behaviors, and impulsive choices, where decisions are made without considering consequences. By examining the role of the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens in these behaviors, the research aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that drive impulsivity towards palatable foods. This could lead to better understanding and treatment options for those struggling with food-related impulsivity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and binge-eating disorder by targeting the underlying neural circuits involved in impulsive behavior.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neural mechanisms of impulsivity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klug, Molly E — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Klug, Molly E
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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.