Eating behaviors are complex traits that involve both biological and environmental influences. My laboratory studies eating behaviors in young children, in particular, how do they develop and how are they related to risk for obesity later in life. We are using techniques such as brain imaging and genetic screening of taste polymorphisms to provide insight into the biological underpinnings of eating behaviors and food preferences in children. Also, we are researching the impact of food marketing and branding on these eating behaviors.
Eating behaviors in children
Neural mechanisms of taste preference and eating behaviors in children
Food marketing and childhood obesity
Genetic and neural influences in taste in children
