Understanding how the brain controls eating behavior
Official title: Encoding of Bodily State and Motor Action in a Minimal Circuit for Food Consumption
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11031940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our brains control eating by understanding how they respond to signals about our energy levels, which could help find new ways to treat eating disorders and obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | February 12, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $167,605 |
| NIH project number | 5K99NS135647-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with eating disorders or obesity who are interested in understanding the neurological basis of their conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have issues related to eating behaviors or metabolic disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms that govern feeding behavior, focusing on how the brain processes signals related to the body's energy state to initiate actions like chewing and biting. By examining the neural circuits involved, the study aims to uncover the connections between energy sensing and motor control. The approach combines behavioral analysis with advanced neuroscience techniques to explore how specific neurons contribute to these innate behaviors. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for eating disorders or obesity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating eating disorders and obesity by enhancing our understanding of how the brain regulates food consumption.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in understanding brain mechanisms related to feeding behavior, indicating that this approach is grounded in established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kosse, Christin — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Kosse, Christin
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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.