Understanding how the brain processes hunger signals in anorexia nervosa
A neurocomputational assay of gastrointestinal interoception in anorexia nervosa
This study is looking at how people with anorexia nervosa feel hunger and how their brains respond to it, with the hope of finding better ways to help them, and it involves both individuals with the condition and healthy volunteers over about six months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Laureate Institute for Brain Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tulsa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10891453 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain mechanisms involved in anorexia nervosa, particularly focusing on how individuals with this condition perceive hunger signals from their gastrointestinal system. By using a novel gastrointestinal interoception probe and computational modeling, the study aims to identify specific neural and perceptual markers related to appetite and eating behaviors. Participants will include individuals with anorexia nervosa and healthy controls, who will undergo extensive testing and monitoring over a period of 180 days to assess clinical outcomes. The goal is to enhance understanding of the disorder and improve treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, as well as healthy individuals for comparison.
Not a fit: Patients with other eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa, may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for anorexia nervosa by identifying key brain mechanisms that influence eating behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, previous research has shown promise in understanding interoception and its role in eating disorders, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Tulsa, United States
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research — Tulsa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khalsa, Sahib — Laureate Institute for Brain Research
- Study coordinator: Khalsa, Sahib
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 below.