Binge Eating
Research Study
Researchers at the University of Southern Carolina are studying how brain function relates to mood and eating behaviors. Help further clinical research and join our paid study today!
Fast Facts
18-64 Years Old
experiences binge eating
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Los Angeles, CA
Study Background
Binge eating disorder (BED) is characterized by feeling a sense of loss of control over eating behaviors and consuming large quantities of food in a short period of time. BED is the most commonly diagnosed eating disorder in the United States, and it is closely associated with a number of serious health problems, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
The goal of this study is to learn more about how brain function, mood, and thoughts affect eating behavior. Specifically, we want to understand how emotions, food-related stimuli (i.e., seeing, smelling, thinking about food, etc.), and impulsivity, all interact together to predict binge eating behaviors in real time.
Your participation in this study may help investigators develop better treatments for BED in the future. Further research today and join our compensated study!
Study Background
Binge eating disorder (BED) happens when a person feels a loss of control over their eating behaviors and consumes large quantities of food in a short period of time. BED is the most commonly diagnosed eating disorder in the United States, and it is closely associated with a number of serious health problems, like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
The goal of this study is to learn more about how brain function, mood, and thoughts affect eating behavior. Specifically, we want to understand how emotions, food-related stimuli (i.e., seeing, smelling, thinking about food, etc.), and impulsivity, all interact together to predict binge eating behaviors in real time.
Your participation in this study may help investigators develop better treatments for BED in the future. Further research today and join our compensated study!
Additional Information
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Key Criteria:
- Age 18-64
- Experience binge eating
- Able and willing to undergo fMRI scanning at USC on a weekday
- Able to read and speak English
- No history of neurological problems or bariatric surgery
- Able to undergo an fMRI study (not currently pregnant, no significant claustrophobia, no non-removal metal in your body such as braces or a pacemaker)
This research study involves two study visits (one online and one in-person) over the course of six months.
This includes completing (1) research interviews and questionnaires, (2) 15 days of answering questions on your smartphone as you go about your daily life, (3) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI*) in-person at the USC University Park Campus, and (4) a 6-month online follow-up survey.
*Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a safe and non-invasive brain imaging technique that measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. During the fMRI scan, you will be asked to lie in a scanner while the research team asks you to perform specific tasks. Before undergoing fMRI scanning, the research team will go over safety measures and answer any questions you may have about the fMRI procedure.
