Understanding how certain diets affect brain mechanisms related to appetite and weight control
Official title: Pathophysiological mechanisms in the brain's endogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 system mediated by obesogenic diets
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10945549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how high-fat diets affect a part of the brain that helps control hunger and weight, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with obesity and type II diabetes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $655,971 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140308-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are struggling with obesity or type II diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or type II diabetes may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how diets high in fat influence the brain's glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) system, which plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and body weight. By using advanced techniques, researchers will explore the activity of specific neurons in the brain that produce GLP-1 and how they communicate with other brain regions involved in hunger and energy balance. The study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that may lead to obesity and identify potential new targets for treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved therapies for obesity and type II diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for obesity and type II diabetes by enhancing our understanding of appetite regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the GLP-1 system and its role in appetite regulation, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hardaway, James Andrew — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hardaway, James Andrew
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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.