University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · PsychologyGearhardt Nutrition Lab
Ashley Nicole Gearhardt · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Focus
Dr. Ashley Nicole Gearhardt's lab studies the powerful effects of ultra-processed foods on human behavior, particularly how reducing these foods can lead to withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in substance use disorders. The research aims to understand the psychological and physiological response to cutting down on ultra-processed foods and how these reactions can affect dietary choices. By exploring these connections, the lab seeks to inform better strategies for dietary interventions and public health policies.
ultra-processed foodsaddictiondietary interventionswithdrawal symptomspublic health
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate the emergence of withdrawal symptoms due to reduced intake of ultra-processed foods.
AIM 02Examine how withdrawal impacts the ability to maintain a low-ultra-processed diet.
AIM 03Assess motivational salience of food cues in response to dietary changes.
Skills the Lab Values
Ecological Momentary Assessmentheart rate monitoringpsychological testingneuroimaging analysisdata collection
Output against the department
Publications279top 17% of dept.51st of 296
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations16ktop 15% of dept.44th of 296
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.