Understanding the complex mechanisms that regulate eating behavior is essential for addressing health challenges such as obesity, eating disorders, and metabolic diseases. Research in animal models has been foundational in understanding the neurobiological, psychological, and environmental factors that influence eating behavior. However, comparative approaches that also incorporate findings from human studies can provide a deeper and more translational understanding of eating behavior.

This Research Topic aims to integrate research that uses animal models alongside human studies in order to advance our knowledge of the psychological and neurobiological underpinnings of eating. The collection particularly encourages interdisciplinary submissions that directly compare findings between animal and human research or use animal models to inform human eating behavior. The collection encourages studies that emphasize the welfare of animals, highlighting key ethical practices, and discuss advances in eating behavior research.

Research may include, but not limited to:
• The contribution of executive functioning to the regulation and maintenance of adaptive and maladaptive eating pattern
• Genetic, developmental, and environmental influences on eating behaviors in both humans and animal models.
• Translational animal models for disordered eating, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, with discussion of relevance to human eating patterns, and health psychology focus.
• Neural circuits and neurochemical pathways involved in appetite regulation and food reward across species, and how this may effect behavioural outcomes in humans and animals.
• Cross-species analyses of eating patterns, including evolutionary and ecological perspectives, and what these can teach us about human eating.
• Cognitive, emotional, and physiological processes underlying eating, and how these mechanisms converge or diverge in animals and humans.
• Effects of diet and environment in development of eating patterns, eating disorders, and adaptive eating behavior.
• Innovative interventions or prevention strategies for eating-related disorders, developed through comparative research.
• Methodological approaches for improving the translational value and relevance of animal models to human eating behavior.

The collection encourages submissions that not only utilize animal models to explore mechanisms of eating behavior but also address the welfare and ethical considerations involved in such research. High standards of animal care are essential for the validity, replicability, and ethical integrity of translational research. Manuscripts that discuss innovative approaches to improving animal care, and compliance with relevant guidelines and regulations are welcome. By highlighting research across disciplines and species, this Research Topic seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding of eating behavior and facilitate the development of effective interventions for eating-related health challenges faced by humans.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Comparative Perspectives and Translational Models in Eating Behavior: Insights from Animal Models and Human Studies