FF+: A family program to prevent obesity in first-time military parents and their babies
Official title: Adaptation of an Evidence-based Family Program for Obesity Prevention in Health Care Context: Testing Outcomes and Mechanisms with First-time Military Parents and their Infants
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11335756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A family-based program delivered around birth helps first-time military parents build coparenting and healthy family habits to prevent obesity in their infants and reduce moms’ postpartum weight gain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $686,961 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133525-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Families with first-time parents in military service who are receiving care in obstetric clinics and are willing to participate in a family-focused program around birth.
✕Less likely to help
Families not interested in attending the program or without access to participating obstetric clinics may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests an adapted Family Foundations program (FF+) in military families to promote healthier lifestyles for parents and reduce rapid weight gain in newborns. The approach uses a series of classes in obstetric settings before and after birth to strengthen coparenting and model health-promoting behaviors. The study will run across three trials to see if FF+ can lower obesity risk for infants and support mothers in postpartum weight management, with outcomes tracked over time. By integrating into a healthcare context and focusing on families with birth, the research aims to translate proven parenting supports into obesity prevention for service members and their children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, FF+ could help military families establish healthy habits early, reducing long-term obesity risk for children and aiding mothers with postpartum weight management.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials of the FF program showed robust, long-term positive effects on family dynamics and child and parent outcomes, suggesting FF+ could yield similar benefits with adaptation for military families.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feinberg, Mark Ethan — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Feinberg, Mark Ethan
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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.