Understanding how psychological and biological factors predict obesity treatment success
Official title: Psychological and Epigenetic Predictors of Obesity & Metabolic Disease
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11051909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your personality and certain biological markers can help predict how well you can lose weight and stick to a healthy lifestyle if you have obesity, with the goal of finding better ways to support you in your weight loss journey.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,156 |
| NIH project number | 5K23DK136932-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults struggling with obesity who are seeking lifestyle intervention support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing obesity or those who have already undergone surgical interventions for weight loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how psychological traits and epigenetic markers can predict the success of lifestyle changes in individuals with obesity. It aims to identify which psychological resilience factors and biological changes may influence a person's ability to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. By analyzing these predictors, the study hopes to improve treatment strategies for obesity, which is a growing public health issue. Participants may undergo assessments that include psychological evaluations and biological sampling to understand their unique challenges in managing obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective obesity treatment plans that consider both psychological and biological factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using psychological and biological markers to predict treatment outcomes in obesity, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harvanek, Zachary Mathias — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Harvanek, Zachary Mathias
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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.