Obesity and Eating Disorder Research

Research on obesity and eating disorders is part of the Center for Translational Neuroimaging. Our primary interest is in using new forms of imaging and experimental strategies to investigate the neuro-psychiatric mechanisms and manifestations of obesity and eating disorders in humans and in animal models. The first major project is to investigate the role of dopamine in food reward and eating disorders.

We have recently found that the activity of dopamine is decreased in the brains of obese people. Since dopamine is a major brain chemical which transmits signals of well being and reward, we speculate that an understimulated reward system may be a contributing factor in obesity. We are currently comparing the changes in brain dopamine activity in response to food stimulation for two subtypes of obese subjects, those with and those without binge eating disorders. We predict that the two subtypes will differ in their brain dopamine activity.

We are particularly interested in treatments for obesity. To this end, we are evaluating brain function in obese subjects after the implantation of a gastric stimulator, a device used to treat obesity by simulating the feeling of a full stomach. These studies are undertaken to understand why some people continue to eat even when their stomach is full. These clinical studies are complemented by preclinical investigations in animal models of obesity.

Last Modified: January 31, 2008