Understanding how cold affects food intake and energy use in the body

Neural Mechanisms of Energy Expenditure-Induced Compensatory Food Intake

NIH-funded research Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11129840

This study is looking at how being in cold temperatures affects how much we eat and burn energy, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about weight management and health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionScripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129840 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between energy expenditure and food intake, particularly how exposure to cold temperatures influences eating behavior. By examining the brain's neural mechanisms, the study aims to uncover how increased energy use leads to compensatory food consumption. The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques and behavioral modeling to explore the activity of specific brain regions involved in this process. This could provide insights into how to better manage obesity and metabolic diseases through behavioral or pharmacological interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders, particularly those who may benefit from interventions targeting energy balance.

Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing issues with obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for managing obesity and improving metabolic health by understanding how to regulate food intake in response to energy expenditure.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific neural mechanisms being studied are novel, previous research has shown success in understanding energy balance and feeding behavior, indicating potential for impactful findings.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.