Understanding how smell influences eating to help with obesity

Targeting olfactory neural pathways to combat obesity

['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11158954

This research explores how our sense of smell affects how much we eat, hoping to find new ways to help people manage their weight.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11158954 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Scientists are looking into specific brain pathways that connect our sense of smell to our eating habits. They have found that certain smells can reduce food intake and are now studying which brain cells are involved in this process. By understanding these connections, they hope to discover how the brain controls appetite and body weight. This knowledge could lead to new strategies for managing obesity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in the underlying causes of obesity and potential future therapies related to smell and appetite control.

Not a fit: Patients without obesity or those not interested in novel approaches related to the sense of smell may not find direct benefit from this particular line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or interventions that use our sense of smell to help control appetite and promote healthy body weight.

How similar studies have performed: The researchers have observed preliminary findings in animal models, suggesting this approach is promising, but it is a novel area of investigation for human application.

Where this research is happening

HOUSTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers, Cardiac Diseases, Cardiac Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.