Advancing neurofeedback for addressing stress-related overeating

The research focuses on advancing neurofeedback as a tool to address stress-related overeating—a widespread driver of weight gain. When under stress, many individuals are drawn toward highly palatable, energy-dense foods, even in the absence of hunger. This behaviour reflects a dynamic tension in the brain between a reward-driven “pull” system that amplifies cravings and a prefrontal “brake” system responsible for self-control. While much of the existing research relies on self-reports or observable behaviour, this research moves beyond this by targeting real-time neural activity. The aim is to identify reliable brain-based markers that capture this balance under stress and to develop a practical neurofeedback approach that enables individuals to actively regulate it. Through a structured experimental programme, the research aims to detect these neural signatures, test whether individuals can learn to modulate them, and ultimately create a composite Self-Control Index (SCI) that can be used in real time to strengthen self-regulation.