Understanding how the brain regulates eating behavior
Official title: Neural Mechanisms of Ingestive Behavior
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11117139 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our brains help us notice and react to feelings related to eating, focusing on how certain brain areas work together to influence our food choices, which could help us understand what controls our hunger and how much we eat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $399,889 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC021445-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117139 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals experiencing issues related to appetite regulation, such as those with eating disorders or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any issues with appetite regulation or eating behavior may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the neural mechanisms that influence how we sense and respond to internal signals related to eating. It focuses on the pathways in the brain that process sensory information from both taste and postoral signals, which are crucial for making food choices. By studying specific brain regions, particularly the amygdala and its connections to the parabrachial nucleus, the research aims to uncover how these pathways affect ingestive behavior. This could lead to a better understanding of the biological signals that regulate appetite and food intake.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the regulation of eating behavior, potentially informing treatments for eating disorders and obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding the role of brain pathways in regulating behavior, making this approach promising yet still exploring new territory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lundy, Robert F — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Lundy, Robert F
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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.