Family-focused mobile and in-person program to prevent obesity in young Latino children
Official title: A Hybrid Mobile Phone Family Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11007258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short program combining family meetings and phone support to help Latino caregivers encourage healthier eating, less screen time, and more activity for 2–5-year-old children.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $569,859 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD016135-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007258 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are Latino caregivers and their children aged about 2 to 5 years who can attend local sessions and use a mobile phone for program activities.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the 2–5 age range, families unable to participate in in-person sessions or mobile activities, or those with needs beyond lifestyle support may not benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You and other caregivers would join a community program that mixes a few in-person family sessions with mobile phone messages and activities. The program invites multiple family members (not just mothers) and uses Latino family values to support healthy habits. Content focuses on age-appropriate feeding, reducing sugary drinks and screen time, and increasing physical play for 2–5-year-olds. The approach is shorter than typical programs and designed to fit busy family schedules.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help young children develop healthier habits that lower their risk of obesity and future health problems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous family-based interventions have improved early childhood weight-related behaviors, but combining brief in-person sessions with mobile support for multiple caregivers is a newer approach.
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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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.