About

Carlos M. Grilo, PhD, is a Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology at Yale University. He is also the Director of the Program for Obesity, Weight, and Eating Research (POWER) at the Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Grilo completed his undergraduate education at Brown University in 1983 and earned his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 1991. His training includes an internship and fellowship at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, as well as postdoctoral training at Yale University in 1992. Following his training, he joined the faculty at Yale University and served as Director of Psychology at the Yale Psychiatric Institute from 1993 to 2000. Dr. Grilo's primary research focus is on eating disorders and obesity, with secondary interests in personality disorders and psychopathology. He has been the recipient of numerous research grants and has served as Principal Investigator on nine grants from the National Institutes of Health, including a K24 Mid-Career Investigator Award in Eating and Weight Disorders. He currently serves on the editorial boards of seven professional journals and is the Associate Editor for the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Dr. Grilo has published over 350 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributing significantly to the fields of clinical psychology and psychiatry.

Research topics

• Psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Psychiatry
• Medicine
• Developmental psychology

Selected publications

• Cognitive behavioral telehealth treatment for adolescents with loss-of-control eating: A randomized controlled feasibility study.

  Psychotherapy · 2026-05-07

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  s < .001). Time × Intervention effects revealed greater improvements for CBT-LOC than nutrition education for binge eating, LOC eating, secretive eating, and global eating-disorder psychopathology. Weight change was minimal for both interventions. Among adolescents with weekly or greater baseline LOC-eating episodes, overvaluation of weight/shape and depression also improved. Overall, this feasibility randomized controlled trial testing CBT-LOC for adolescents experiencing LOC eating and elevated weight demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Initial evidence demonstrated that it was feasible to produce clinically significant improvements in LOC-eating episodes, eating behaviors, and eating-disorder psychopathology. Few participants attained decreased weight, which may limit motivation to seek treatment from parents and adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

  PublisherDOI

• Naltrexone/bupropion for binge-eating disorder: A human laboratory investigation of mechanisms

  Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports · 2026-03-11

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Binge-eating disorder (BED) is a prevalent, refractory, and serious health problem associated with broad morbidities and psychosocial impairments. There is a pressing need to identify effective therapeutics for BED. Naltrexone/bupropion (NB) targets brain reward systems, suggesting that it may be an effective treatment for both obesity and BED. This is the first human laboratory study to examine potential mechanisms underlying NB effects on eating behaviors in those with BED. Fifty participants with BED (72% with obesity) completed a human laboratory study to examine effects of NB on their (1) ability to resist eating preferred high-caloric snack food, (2) calories consumed, and (3) food craving at baseline and following +6 weeks and +12 weeks of NB treatment while enrolled in a 12-week randomized clinical trial (RCT). Hunger, mood, and trough plasma levels of NB were evaluated as secondary outcomes. NB did not influence decisions to eat but did significantly reduce the number of calories consumed, which were negatively associated with 6beta-naltrexol and bupropion levels. NB also reduced craving for preferred high-caloric sweet snacks and reduced hunger ratings at +6 but not +12 weeks. This human laboratory investigation support and extend the findings of the RCT. NB may reduce weight in patients with BED by reducing calories consumed during eating episodes of highly preferred high-caloric food. Further, results identified reduced craving and hunger ratings as potential markers of early treatment response. • There is a pressing need to develop medications for binge eating disorder (BED). • The combination of naltrexone and bupropion (NB) may attenuate food reward. • This human laboratory study found that NB reduced calories consumed, craving, and hunger in those with BED. • Medication levels were associated with reductions in calories consumed. • Craving results were limited to craving for sweet foods.

  PublisherDOI

• Examining Heterogeneity of Patient Outcomes in a Randomized Controlled Trial for Binge‐Eating Disorder Testing Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy and Lisdexamfetamine, Alone and Combined

  International Journal of Eating Disorders · 2026-04-29

  articleSenior author

  OBJECTIVE: Although trials have documented the overall effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and lisdexamfetamine (LDX) for binge-eating disorder (BED), the nature and extent of individual patient variability in outcomes have not been examined. This secondary analysis of a controlled trial examined heterogeneity of outcomes with CBT and LDX, alone and combined, for BED. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one patients with BED with co-occurring obesity were randomized to CBT, LDX, or combined CBT+LDX 3-month treatments. Changes in binge-eating frequency, eating-disorder psychopathology, weight, and depression were repeatedly assessed. Outcomes were dichotomized as increased or decreased/no change, and differences between treatments were explored. Corset plots were used to examine changes in outcomes at the patient level. RESULTS: In CBT, 94.4% (N = 34) patients reported decreased binge-eating frequency and 75.0% (N = 24) decreased eating-disorder psychopathology. In LDX, 90.5% (N = 38) reported decreased binge-eating frequency and 89.7% (N = 35) decreased eating-disorder psychopathology. In CBT+LDX, 100% (N = 44) reported improvements in binge eating and eating-disorder psychopathology. Patients not prescribed LDX had significantly fewer decreases in weight: in CBT, 55.6% (N = 20) had weight loss, compared to 92.9% (N = 39) in LDX and 81.3% (N = 4) in CBT+LDX. No differences in decreased depression scores were observed across treatments (80.0% (N = 28) in CBT; 89.2% (N = 33) in LDX; 86.1% (N = 38) in CBT+LDX). CONCLUSION: Frequency of individual cases with increases in binge-eating, eating-disorder psychopathology, and depression were low in CBT and LDX treatments, and particularly so for the combined CBT+LDX approach. These participant-level findings add important clinical context regarding the significant overall improvements associated with CBT, LDX, and CBT+LDX for BED. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov registration: NCT03924193 (Cognitive-Behavioral and Pharmacologic (LDX) Treatment of Binge-Eating Disorder and Obesity: Acute Treatment).

  PublisherDOI

• Home-based dim light melatonin onset assessment among adults with obesity: feasibility and procedural considerations

  SLEEP Advances · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Study Objectives Dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) is the best-established marker of central circadian phase and may contribute to unraveling the role of the circadian system in obesity. This study evaluated DLMO among individuals with obesity using a home-based assessment and explored its clinical correlates and procedural variations. Method Fifty-eight women (mean [SD] age 40.9 [7.8] years) and body mass index (41.4 [6.6] kg/m2) completed a home-based DLMO assessment, measures of sleep quality, diurnal preference, and cardiometabolic parameters. Procedural variations we explored included individualized versus standardized DLMO thresholds, 7 versus 3 days assessment of sleep onset timing (SOT), as well as diary-based, actigraphy-based, or a “combined” method to calculate SOT, and hourly versus half-hourly saliva sample data points. Correlation coefficients and univariate ANOVA models were used for statistical analysis. Bland–Altman plots were used to inform agreement between methods. Results DLMO was detected in 98.2% and 89.6% of participants using an individualized or a standardized threshold, respectively. DLMO correlated with SOT but not with body mass index, cardiometabolic parameters, sleep quality, or diurnal preference. A later SOT and a larger phase angle of entrainment (DLMO-SOT) correlated with younger age and with eveningness. Most procedural alternatives showed good agreement with the original methods. Conclusions Home-based assessment yielded a high rate of detectable DLMO in women with obesity. Diurnal preference was not correlated with central circadian phase, suggesting that other factors (e.g. behavioral, sociodemographic) may be relevant in chronotype assessment in this population. We offer implications for future research including procedural variations to consider. Statement of Significance Evidence from models of circadian misalignment suggest an association between circadian disruption (e.g. delayed circadian phase) and obesity. However, dim light melatonin onset (DLMO), the best-established marker of central circadian phase, has been poorly explored in obesity. Additionally, DLMO assessment remains costly and laborious and individuals with obesity are often excluded from chronobiological studies. While other studies using in-hospital melatonin secretion profiles or home-based DLMO assessments have included individuals with obesity among their participants, a focused analysis on home-based DLMO in this population is lacking. We provide evidence on DLMO assessment using a home-based procedure among participants with obesity and explore its clinical correlates. We also evaluate procedural variations that could facilitate its widespread use in future studies.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation modulates neural correlates of reward in patients pursuing metabolic bariatric surgery: results from a within-participant sham-controlled pilot study

  Brain stimulation · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Context: Pain management is a constant struggle.Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulation technique with proved efficacy in chronic pain.Objective: The aim of the study is to provide a bibliometric perspective regarding articles on pain and tDCS.Having a visualized and systematically overview of publication trends, new research ideas could arise for clinicians.Methods: Articles on pain and tDCS were retrieved from Web of Science database on the 8th of December 2022.Using the R software version 4.1.2and the "biblioshiny" R package, a quantitative and statistical analysis was performed.Time trend, number of publications, journals and authors, author country and institution, as well as citations and references were visualized.Results: A total of 554 publication fulfilled the criteria and were analyzed.The scientific production has been increasing over time with an annual growth of 17.1%.Brain Stimulation Journal and Journal of Pain are the leading journals regarding articles and citations.Fregni F. (83 articles) is the most prolific researcher with important authorship in the field.USA is the country with most authors involved in the topic (558 authors), whereas the leading institution is represented by Universidade Federal Rio Grande Do Sul (84articles).Lefaucheur JP. article from 2017 has the maximum citations, while keywords in trend in the last three years are osteoarthritis and low back pain.Conclusion: This is the first bibliometric study that reflects the trends of tDCS in the field of pain.Journals as well as authors are limited and clustered.However the number of articles as well as number of citations are constantly increasing, supporting the idea that this is an emerging topic.The information obtained could be an important practical basis for future pain management research.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Randomized Controlled Trial of Weight Management Versus Weight Management With Concurrent Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy for Binge‐Eating Disorder in <scp>US</scp> Veterans With High Weight

  International Journal of Eating Disorders · 2025-06-09 · 1 citations

  article

  OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of adding a brief psychological eating-disorder treatment (CBT) to weight management for addressing DSM-5 binge-eating disorder (BED) in US military Veterans with high weight. METHOD: One hundred and nine Veterans, with DSM-5 BED, seeking weight management services were randomly assigned to VA's Weight Management Program (MOVE!), or MOVE! plus a brief, clinician-led cognitive-behavioral therapy (MOVE! + CBT). Primary (eating disorder psychopathology and binge eating), secondary (mental health, quality of life, and eating- and appearance-related), and exploratory (weight) outcomes were analyzed with mixed-effects models for four timepoints (baseline, 3-month [post-treatment], and 9- and 15-month follow-ups). RESULTS: MOVE! + CBT reported significantly less overall eating disorder psychopathology compared to MOVE! at all post-randomization timepoints: difference at 3 months -0.18 (-0.3, -0.06, p = 0.003), 9 months -0.15 (-0.3, 0, p = 0.05), and 15 months -0.27 (-0.42, -0.12, p < 0.001). There were no differences between groups in binge-eating frequency. MOVE! + CBT remission rates were 28% at 3 months, 42% at 9 months, and 27% at 15 months. MOVE! remission rates were 22% at 3 months, 26% at 9 months, and 20% at 15 months. MOVE! + CBT was superior at post-treatment through 15 months on eating-, weight-, and shape-related (p's < 0.05), but few other, secondary outcomes. A 5% weight loss ranged from 26% to 38% for MOVE! + CBT, and 17% to 33% for MOVE!. DISCUSSION: Weight management alone and with concurrent CBT resulted in significant improvements in BED. The addition of CBT enhanced some specific outcomes but not weight loss. Findings provide evidence-based clinical guidance and population-level impact for addressing BED in the context of high weight, especially among Veteran populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry Number: NCT03234881(Weight Loss Treatment for Veterans with Binge Eating).

  PublisherDOI

• Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy and Lisdexamfetamine, Alone and Combined, for Binge‐Eating Disorder: Secondary Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial

  International Journal of Eating Disorders · 2025-07-09 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) found cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lisdexamfetamine (LDX), and combined CBT + LDX showed significant improvements in BED, with combined CBT + LDX being superior to the individual treatments. This report details the treatment effects on secondary outcomes comprising behavioral, psychological, and metabolic variables intended to build on the primary outcomes to broaden our understanding of BED treatment. METHOD: RCT randomized N = 141 patients with BED to one of three 12-week treatments: CBT (N = 47), LDX (N = 47), or CBT + LDX (N = 47). 87.2% completed posttreatment assessments. RESULTS: Mixed models revealed significant decreases in eating (food cravings and hedonic drive to eat palatable foods) and metabolic (cholesterol and triglycerides) variables in all treatments, with CBT + LDX having the largest reduction and significantly outperforming CBT and LDX. Overvaluation of shape/weight and impulsivity decreased significantly in all treatments but did not differ significantly between treatments. Delayed discounting did not change overall during treatment nor show an interaction with specific treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvements in secondary outcomes in this RCT for BED suggest CBT and LDX, and particularly their combination, are associated with broad positive effects beyond their significant effects on binge eating. Future research should examine moderator/mediational effects of these variables on differential treatment responses in BED. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Registration: NCT03924193 (Cognitive-Behavioral and Pharmacologic (LDX) Treatment of Binge-Eating Disorder and Obesity: Acute Treatment).

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Is there harm in behavioral lifestyle weight management for binge-eating disorder in patients with obesity: Findings from a randomized controlled trial

  Journal of Psychosomatic Research · 2025-05-26 · 2 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Preferences for Lisdexamfetamine vs Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Binge-Eating Disorder

  The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry · 2025-05-06 · 1 citations

  articleSenior author

  Efficacious treatments for binge-eating disorder (BED) have been identified, but research is lacking regarding patients' treatment preferences and their effects on outcomes. We investigated the frequency and correlates of patients' preferences for 2 distinct BED treatments-cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lisdexamfetamine (LDX)-and whether preferences predicted and/or moderated outcomes. - defined BED, 102 participants indicated their preference after treatments were described and prior to beginning treatment. Treatment was randomly assigned (not influenced by preferences). Independent assessors, blinded to treatments and to patients' treatment preferences, performed outcome assessments. 43.1% (44/102) preferred LDX, 23.5% (24/102) preferred CBT, and 33.3% (34/102) reported no preference. Treatment preference was not significantly associated with any sociodemographic or baseline clinical characteristics. Logistic regression models (for binge-eating remission and attaining ≥5% weight loss) and mixed models (for changes in binge-eating frequency, weight, eating disorder psychopathology, and depression) testing main effects of treatments, main effects of treatment preferences, and their interaction effects converged. No significant interaction effects between treatment and treatment preferences were observed. In this study comparing CBT and LDX treatments for BED in patients with obesity, participants' preferences for treatments were not associated with their sociodemographic or clinical characteristics and did not moderate treatment outcomes of these 2 effective interventions. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03924193.

  PublisherDOI

• A Personalised Music Recommendation System Based on User’s Emotions

  IFIP advances in information and communication technology · 2025-01-01

  book-chapter
  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• Efficacy and Mechanisms of Naltrexone+Bupropion for Binge Eating Disorder

  NIH · $3.6M · 2017–2024

• Treatment of Loss of Control Eating Following Bariatric Surgery

  NIH · $2.2M · 2014–2021

• Cognitive-Behavioral and Pharmacologic Treatment of Binge Eating Disorder

  NIH · $3.6M · 2018–2025

• NIH Grant R01DK073542

  NIH · $1.7M · 2013

• K24 Mid-Career Investigator Award in Eating and Weight Disorders

  NIH · $1.4M · 2005–2017

Frequent coauthors

• Thomas H. McGlashan

  Yale University

  222 shared

• M. Tracie Shea

  215 shared

• Mary C. Zanarini

  McLean Hospital

  184 shared

• Leslie C. Morey

  Texas A&M University

  167 shared

• Andrew E. Skodol

  University of Arizona

  162 shared

• Charles A. Sanislow

  158 shared

• John G. Gunderson

  134 shared

• Robin M. Masheb

  VA Connecticut Healthcare System

  130 shared

Labs

• Program for Obesity, Weight, and Eating Research (POWER)PI

Awards & honors

• K24 Mid-Career Investigator Award in Eating and Weight Disor…