Understanding how the brain processes hunger signals in anorexia nervosa
Official title: A neurocomputational assay of gastrointestinal interoception in anorexia nervosa
Funded at Laureate Institute for Brain Research · NIH-10891453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $676,031 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH127225-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10891453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, as well as healthy individuals for comparison.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa, may not benefit directly from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Laureate Institute for Brain Research
Tulsa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khalsa, Sahib — Laureate Institute for Brain Research
- Study coordinator: Khalsa, Sahib
Related research
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Guided Online Self-Help Family-Based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
A study tests if an online guided self-help version of family-based treatment works as well as standard treatment for teens with anorexia nervosa, in real-world clinics.
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Online guided family-based program for adolescents with anorexia nervosa
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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.