Understanding how brain chemicals influence food rewards in people
Official title: Sub-second catecholamine dynamics underlying food reward in humans
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11027611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, affect how we feel about food and why some people might overeat, with the hope of finding better ways to help manage obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $696,329 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK141764-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11027611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults who are struggling with obesity or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have any risk factors for type 2 diabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of catecholamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in how humans respond to food rewards. By examining the neurochemistry involved in attention, reward learning, and emotional regulation, the study aims to uncover how these factors contribute to eating behaviors and obesity. The approach includes analyzing brain activity and chemical signals in response to food stimuli, which could help identify why some individuals struggle with overeating. The findings may lead to better strategies for managing obesity and related conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and interventions for obesity and type 2 diabetes by targeting the brain's reward systems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models have shown promising results regarding the role of catecholamines in food reward, but this research aims to translate those findings to human subjects, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Difeliceantonio, Alexandra Gold — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Difeliceantonio, Alexandra Gold
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.