Understanding the causes of eating disorders in adolescents using brain imaging and genetics
Official title: Towards an etiological model of adolescent eating disorders through neuroimaging, genetics, and behavior
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11239152 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what might cause eating disorders in teenagers by exploring their genes, brain activity, and behaviors, and it aims to help identify those at risk so that support can be provided early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $248,075 |
| NIH project number | 4R00MH132886-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11239152 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adolescents aged 12 to 20, particularly those with a family history of eating disorders or those currently experiencing symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those with established eating disorders who are not in the study sample may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the underlying causes of eating disorders (EDs) in adolescents by examining genetic, neuroimaging, and behavioral factors. It utilizes data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study to identify predictors of EDs during critical developmental periods. The study includes both a large sample of adolescents and clinical participants to ensure the findings are applicable to those receiving treatment. By analyzing brain structure and function alongside genetic information, the research aims to develop a predictive model for the onset of eating disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention strategies for adolescents at risk of developing eating disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimaging and genetic data to understand eating disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Makowski, Carolina — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Makowski, Carolina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Global brain imaging study to understand anorexia in teens and how it affects outcomes
A large international study using brain scans to learn why anorexia nervosa develops, how it affects teens, and what predicts recovery or relapse.
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Anxiety and body-sense as a warning for eating disorders in kids
This project looks at whether anxiety and how kids sense their internal body signals can signal the kind of eating problems that lead to eating disorders in children and teens.
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FlexED: a fun digital program to help teens with eating concerns
A teen-friendly digital program uses gamification and acceptance-based techniques to help 15-year-olds manage body image and related eating concerns earlier, before patterns become hard to change.
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3-D bedside scanning to track malnutrition in anorexia nervosa
A bedside 3D optical scan method will help track malnutrition in adolescents with anorexia nervosa during hospitalization.
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Reducing minority stress to help sexual minority adults with eating disorders
This project tests a new, identity-affirming treatment approach designed to help sexual minority adults with eating disorders by addressing stigma-related stress and coping skills.
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Restrictive eating disorders and brain white matter development in youths
Researchers will study how restrictive eating disorders affect brain white matter development in young people using brain scans and related data.
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.