Understanding how stress affects eating habits in obesity

Biobehavioral Factors and their Impact on Stress-Related Eating in Obesity

NIH-funded research Sanford Research North · NIH-10832044

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSanford Research North NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fargo, United States)
Project IDNIH-10832044 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals struggling with obesity who experience stress-related eating behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience stress-related eating or who are not affected by obesity may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Fargo, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.