Understanding how brain signals drive craving for tasty foods
Official title: Neuropeptidergic mechanisms underlying hedonic feeding behavior
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11421422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in adults will explore how specific brain circuits and a brain chemical called neurotensin influence the urge to eat tasty, calorie-dense foods and how this might relate to obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $666,229 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK140665-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421422 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older who are able to participate in brain-imaging or related studies and provide informed consent.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to participate in brain-based research or who do not fit the study criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at UC Berkeley will investigate how neurotensin in a key brain pathway affects motivation to seek high-calorie foods. Using advanced brain techniques in adults, the project will look at how this signaling changes in response to different diets and feeding states. The findings could reveal new targets for therapies to help people manage cravings and obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could identify brain-based targets to help people control cravings and support weight management strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that manipulating brain pathways can alter feeding behavior, suggesting potential for translating findings to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lammel, Stephan — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Lammel, Stephan
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.