Understanding how cold affects food intake and energy use in the body
Official title: Neural Mechanisms of Energy Expenditure-Induced Compensatory Food Intake
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11129840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $707,310 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134609-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults struggling with obesity or metabolic disorders, particularly those who may benefit from interventions targeting energy balance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing issues with obesity or metabolic disorders may not receive any benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ye, Li — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Ye, Li
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.