NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how brain circuits affect binge-eating disorder symptoms

Official title: The Computational Role of Corticostriatal Circuits in Binge-Eating Disorder Symptoms and Severity

Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10747430 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the brain works in people with binge-eating disorder to better understand why they make certain eating choices, with the hope of finding new ways to help them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startDecember 1, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$211,250
NIH project number5R21MH129898-02
Project IDNIH-10747430 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience symptoms of binge-eating disorder.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have binge-eating disorder or related eating disorders may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the brain mechanisms that contribute to binge-eating disorder (BED), a condition affecting many individuals in the U.S. The study aims to identify how changes in brain circuits influence decision-making related to eating behaviors. By combining computational modeling with advanced brain imaging techniques, researchers will explore the relationship between neural connectivity and the severity of binge-eating symptoms. This approach seeks to uncover new targets for treatment by understanding the underlying neurobiological factors of BED.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for individuals suffering from binge-eating disorder.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding brain mechanisms related to eating disorders, but this specific neurocomputational approach is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Berner, Laura a. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
  • Study coordinator: Berner, Laura a.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding Binge Eating Disorder in Older Hispanic Women

    This project looks at how chronic binge eating disorder affects the health of older Hispanic women who also face challenges with food security.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11190801

  • Social media habits and binge-eating in teens

    This project will see if patterns of social media use predict binge-eating behaviors in adolescents.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11122359

  • Using digital mindfulness meditation to improve therapy for binge eating disorder

    This study is testing a new online program that combines mindfulness meditation with traditional therapy to help people with binge eating disorder feel better and manage their eating habits more effectively.

    NIH research Yeshiva University · New York, United States · NIH-11077250

  • Exploring how social media use affects binge-eating disorder in adolescents

    This study looks at how using social media a lot might be linked to binge-eating in teens, especially considering things like feeling sad, anxious, or being bullied online, and it hopes to offer helpful advice for teens, their parents, and doctors to prevent these eating issues.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-10928216

  • Impact of binge eating disorder on older Hispanic women facing food insecurity

    This study is looking at how binge eating disorder affects Hispanic women over 65 who don’t always have enough food, to better understand their health challenges and improve care for them.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-10872852

  • Investigating brain changes in binge eating disorder using advanced imaging techniques

    This study is looking at how binge eating disorder affects the brain by using a special imaging technique to see changes in brain connections, and it's for people who want to help improve treatments for this condition.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-10836030

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.