A hybrid mobile-family program to prevent obesity in preschoolers
Official title: A Hybrid Mobile Phone Family Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11468426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A neighborhood-friendly program uses in-person meetings plus mobile phone support to help Latino families with 2- to 5-year-olds adopt healthier eating, less screen time, and more activity to prevent obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 13, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| Award (this year) | $721,349 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD016135-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11468426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are Latino families with children aged 2–5 years who can participate in both in-person sessions and mobile phone components.
✕Less likely to help
Families without access to mobile phones or who cannot participate in in-person sessions may experience limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a community-based intervention that blends family-based counseling with mobile phone support to encourage healthier dietary choices, reduced sugary drink intake, limited television time, and more physical activity for young children. It focuses on Latino families, recognizing familism and the important role of multiple caregivers. The approach shortens typical curricula and seeks to engage more family members beyond just one parent. The study will measure changes in child weight-related behaviors and early indicators of obesity risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families could have practical tools and support to prevent obesity early in life, improving long-term health for children.
How similar studies have gone: Prior family-based interventions have shown promise, but this study innovates by including multiple caregivers and mobile support to enhance reach and impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guerrero, Alma D — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Guerrero, Alma D
Related research
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This study tests which exercise type during pregnancy best protects children from obesity and metabolic problems later in life for women who are overweight or obese.
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How rewards and self-control shape kids' weight as they grow
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.