Understanding how the brain changes after weight loss and leads to weight regain
Official title: Accumbal adaptations that contribute to weight regain after weight loss
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11061768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the brains of people with obesity change when they lose weight and then find it hard to keep it off, using mice to learn more about the brain's reward system, which could help develop better ways to support weight loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $496,950 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK138131-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced significant weight loss but struggle to keep the weight off.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced weight loss or those with conditions unrelated to obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in the brain's reward system that occur when individuals with obesity lose weight and subsequently struggle to maintain that weight loss. By studying mice, the researchers aim to identify how specific brain areas, particularly the nucleus accumbens, adapt during the weight gain-loss-regain cycle. The study employs advanced techniques such as electrophysiological monitoring and calcium imaging to observe these changes in real-time. The goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive the urge to regain weight, which could inform new treatment strategies for obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that help individuals maintain weight loss more effectively.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the brain's role in weight management, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kravitz, Alexxai V — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kravitz, Alexxai V
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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.