Understanding brain factors that contribute to obesity in adolescents
Neural Vulnerabilities for Obesity: A Contextualized, Longitudinal Study in Adolescence
This study is looking at how certain brain traits might affect the chances of gaining weight during the teenage years, and it’s for young people who want to understand how their brain and environment can influence their eating habits and weight.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Lincoln NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lincoln, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11068328 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific brain vulnerabilities can influence the risk of obesity during adolescence, a critical period for weight gain. By examining the relationship between brain regulation, reward sensitivity, and the food environment, the study aims to identify modifiable factors that contribute to obesity. Participants will be followed over time to assess changes in their weight and eating behaviors, providing valuable insights into how these factors interact. The goal is to inform new prevention strategies tailored for adolescents at risk of obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who may be at risk for obesity due to behavioral or environmental factors.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those who are not at risk for obesity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative interventions that help prevent obesity in adolescents by targeting specific neural vulnerabilities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neural factors related to obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Lincoln, United States
- University of Nebraska Lincoln — Lincoln, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Timothy David — University of Nebraska Lincoln
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Timothy David
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 below.