Understanding how reward and control affect binge eating behavior
Official title: A Longitudinal Examination of Reward, Eating Expectancies, and Inhibitory Control in the Progression of Loss of Control Eating
Funded at Sanford Research North · NIH-11058522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what causes binge eating by exploring how past experiences with food and the ability to control eating habits play a role, and it's designed for anyone who wants to better understand their binge eating and find ways to manage it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Research North NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fargo, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $139,044 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM134969-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience symptoms of binge eating or loss of control eating.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience binge eating or related eating disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that contribute to binge eating, focusing on how past experiences with food rewards and the ability to control eating behaviors influence the development of loss of control eating. By examining these relationships over time, the study aims to identify key mechanisms that lead to binge eating symptoms. Participants will undergo various assessments to evaluate their eating expectancies, reward processing, and inhibitory control, providing a comprehensive understanding of these factors. The goal is to improve prevention and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with binge eating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention and treatment options for binge eating and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of binge eating, but this study aims to explore these relationships in a novel and comprehensive way.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Research North
Fargo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaefer, Lauren Marie — Sanford Research North
- Study coordinator: Schaefer, Lauren Marie
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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.