NIH R01 · 2025
Developmental trajectories of reinforcer pathology and childhood obesity
ABSTRACT The percentage of children with obesity increases throughout development. Obesity results from a positive energy balance, which suggests the energy balance gap increases as children age. Reward systems that drive the motivation to eat or be physically active, conceptualized as food and activity reinforcement, mature throughout development, potentially exerting a greater influence on adolescents than younger children's decision-making. Executive functions that allow youth to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate gratification are not fully developed until early adulthood. Reinforcer pathology theory considers the balance between the reinforcing value of food and physical…
From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.