Understanding how stress affects eating habits in obesity
Official title: Biobehavioral Factors and their Impact on Stress-Related Eating in Obesity
Funded at Sanford Research North · NIH-10832044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress affects the way we eat and can lead to weight gain, focusing on how our bodies respond to stress and what that means for our eating habits, so it can help people understand why they might overeat when they're feeling stressed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Research North NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fargo, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $657,380 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK130926-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10832044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity who experience stress-related eating behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience stress-related eating or who are not affected by obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex relationship between stress and eating behaviors that contribute to obesity. It focuses on how individual responses to stress, including biological factors like gut microbiota and cortisol levels, influence eating patterns. By combining laboratory assessments with real-world observations, the study aims to identify specific biological and behavioral factors that lead to overeating during stressful situations. This comprehensive approach seeks to provide insights into the mechanisms behind stress-related eating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions for managing obesity by addressing the underlying causes of stress-related eating.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between stress and eating behaviors, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Research North
Fargo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engel, Scott G — Sanford Research North
- Study coordinator: Engel, Scott G
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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.