Addressing food insecurity to help prevent childhood obesity

Intervening in Food Insecurity to Reduce and Mitigate (InFoRM) Childhood Obesity

NIH-funded research Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11075379

This study looks at how not having enough healthy food can lead to weight problems in kids, and it aims to find ways to help families get better access to nutritious meals, especially in communities that need it most.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston Children's Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11075379 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between food insecurity and childhood obesity, focusing on how limited access to healthy food affects children's health. The project aims to understand the impact of household food insecurity and neighborhood food environments on children's body weight and dietary habits. By developing and testing interventions, the research seeks to improve food and nutrition security for children and their families, particularly in communities that are disproportionately affected. The principal investigator, Dr. Allison Wu, brings expertise in pediatric nutrition and epidemiology to this important public health issue.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-11 years, particularly those from Black, Hispanic, and lower-income families facing food insecurity.

Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those who do not experience food insecurity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies that reduce childhood obesity and improve nutrition among vulnerable populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in addressing food insecurity and its impact on health, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.