Exploring how social factors influence heart and metabolic health
Official title: Mentorship in patient-oriented research on behavioral and social determinants of cardiometabolic health
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11009918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study, led by Dr. Anne Thorndike at Massachusetts General Hospital, is looking at how things like social situations and behaviors influence heart and metabolic health, especially for people with lower incomes, and aims to find new ways to help them eat better and live healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $125,508 |
| NIH project number | 5K24HL163073-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who face challenges related to food access and health behaviors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cardiometabolic risk factors or those who are not affected by social determinants of health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how behavioral and social determinants affect cardiometabolic health, particularly in low-income populations. Led by Dr. Anne Thorndike at Massachusetts General Hospital, the project aims to develop and test innovative strategies to promote healthier eating and lifestyle choices. The research includes mentorship for junior researchers, fostering new ideas and approaches to tackle health disparities. By examining factors like food access and health behaviors, the project seeks to create effective interventions that can be implemented in community settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for individuals at risk of cardiometabolic diseases by addressing the root social and behavioral factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using behavioral strategies to improve health outcomes in similar populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thorndike, Anne N — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Thorndike, Anne N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Psychosocial and cultural factors linked to heart and metabolic health in older Chinese Americans
This project studies how daily stress and social factors affect heart and metabolic health in older Chinese Americans, using real-time reporting and biosamples.
-
Early life factors shaping heart health in HIV-exposed versus unexposed kids in South Africa
A study following children from birth through adolescence to understand how HIV exposure and early infections influence heart-related health risks.
-
Early-life factors shaping heart health in HIV-exposed and unexposed children in South Africa
This project follows children from birth through adolescence to understand how being exposed to HIV before birth affects their metabolic and heart health over time.
-
Promoting steady activity for adults with obesity through PATH-powered exercise videos and remote coaching
A weight-neutral online program called PATH uses YouTube workout videos and remote coaching to help adults with obesity stay active and improve heart health over a year.
-
Morning light to improve heart and blood sugar health in adults with Type 1 Diabetes
A small trial tests whether morning bright light can improve blood sugar control and blood pressure in adults with Type 1 Diabetes.
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.