Effects of weight loss before pregnancy on maternal health and baby outcomes

Maternal metabolic and molecular changes induced by preconception weight loss and their effects on birth outcomes

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10909279

This study is looking at how losing weight before getting pregnant can help improve the health of both moms and their babies, specifically for women who are obese, by comparing a special low-calorie diet to regular care to see how it affects their health and their baby's growth.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909279 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how significant weight loss before conception can improve the health of mothers and their babies. It focuses on obese women who will either follow a very low energy diet or standard care to see how these interventions affect their metabolic health and the environment in which their babies develop. The study will involve clinical assessments and blood tests to measure changes in metabolism and inflammation, as well as monitoring fetal growth through ultrasounds. The goal is to understand how these changes may influence the baby's health at birth and beyond.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are obese women with a BMI between 30 and 45 who are planning to conceive.

Not a fit: Patients who are not planning to conceive or who have a BMI below 30 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for both mothers and their infants by reducing risks associated with obesity during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that weight management before pregnancy can positively impact maternal and fetal health, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.