Brain scans reveal why stress triggers binge eating

NCT ID NCT03393039

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study uses brain scans to see how negative feelings change food choices and reward processing in people with binge eating disorders. Researchers will compare healthy individuals, those with obesity, and people with binge eating disorder or bulimia. The goal is to understand brain patterns that may lead to binge eating and find targets for future treatments.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward new psychological or medication treatments for binge eating by identifying brain patterns linked to the disorder.

What could go wrong

This is an observational brain imaging study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to direct therapies, and results may not apply to all individuals with binge eating.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

binge eating disorder Binge-Eating Disorder bulimia nervosa eating disorder Feeding and Eating Disorders Obesity obesity disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of California at San Diego

    San Diego, California, 92121, United States