Psychologist receives grant for placebo research into food choice
'We can uncover new, non-pharmacological strategies to help individuals, especially those struggling with weight loss', reveals psychologist Aleksandrina Skvortsova about her LUF grant for the project 'Mind Over Meal'. We spoke to Dr. Skvortsova and asked her three questions about her research.
What do you find so interesting about this research?
'I find this research fascinating because it explores the untapped potential of the placebo effect in managing hunger and promoting healthier food choices. There is a lot of evidence that the placebo effect can be very effective in many conditions, such as pain, itch, fatigue. Surprisingly, it has been much less investigated in the context of hunger. By understanding how our expectations can influence hunger and food-related brain activity, we can uncover new, non-pharmacological strategies to help individuals, especially those struggling with weight loss. Additionally, investigating the underlying brain mechanisms provides a deeper insight into how our brains respond to food cues and how these responses can be modulated.'
What will you do with the funding?
'Leiden University Fund awarded me with 35. 000 euro for this research project. This funding will be spent on practical expenses, such as participant fees. Additionally, I will hire a research assistant who will help me with the data collection.'
Will it help us in practice later on?
'Absolutely. This research has the potential to inform practical strategies for managing hunger and improving food choices without relying on medication. By understanding the placebo effect on hunger and food-related behaviors, we could develop psychological interventions or behavioral therapies that leverage positive expectations to help individuals make healthier eating decisions.
For those struggling with weight loss, these findings could lead to new, effective methods to regulate appetite and reduce the consumption of calorie-dense foods, ultimately supporting better weight management and overall health.'
Every spring, a major award round takes place where the LUF awards grants for research and education projects up to 35,000 euros. In this year's round, Dr. Aleksandrina Skvortsova received a grant from the LUF's collaboration with the Elise Mathilde Fund Foundation for her project 'Mind Over Meal: Unraveling placebo effects on hunger, food-related brain activity and food choice in normal-weight individuals and overweight individuals seeking to lose weight'.
All projects that have been launched with the thanks of donors to the LUF can be found on this page.