Using brain stimulation to help control binge eating
Responsive Neurostimulation for Loss of Control Eating
This study is looking at a special device that sends gentle electrical signals to a part of the brain to help people with obesity who have trouble controlling their eating, especially during binge episodes, to see if it can make a positive difference for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10464428 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a responsive neurostimulator to help individuals with obesity who struggle with loss of control over eating. The approach involves identifying specific brain activity patterns associated with binge eating and delivering targeted electrical stimulation to the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in reward processing. The study will assess the safety and functionality of this device in human participants, utilizing advanced monitoring techniques to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing binge episodes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with refractory obesity who experience loss of control over their eating habits.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have issues with binge eating or loss of control over their eating may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for individuals with obesity and eating disorders, helping them regain control over their eating behaviors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with brain stimulation techniques in animal models, but this approach is novel in human subjects for treating loss of control eating.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halpern, Casey Harrison — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Halpern, Casey Harrison
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.