Exploring how socioeconomic challenges contribute to obesity
Official title: Bio-Social Pathways Linking Socioeconomic Adversity to Obesity
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10909285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tough life experiences, especially for people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, might lead to weight gain by affecting our biology, and it's for anyone interested in understanding the links between life challenges and obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $118,309 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HL170280-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include African American adults who are experiencing socioeconomic challenges and are at risk for obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as African American or who do not face socioeconomic adversity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between socioeconomic adversity and obesity, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. By examining data from approximately 9,000 individuals across diverse cohorts, the study aims to understand how adverse life experiences may lead to biological changes that increase obesity risk. The researchers will focus on DNA methylation as a potential biological mechanism linking socioeconomic status to obesity and related health issues. This approach combines social and biological perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that address the root causes of obesity in disadvantaged populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the biological impacts of socioeconomic factors on health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fernandez-Rhodes, Lindsay — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Fernandez-Rhodes, Lindsay
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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.