Finding ways to reduce diet and obesity disparities among racial and ethnic groups in cities

Complex systems approaches to identify policy levers to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in diet and obesity in cities

NIH-funded research Drexel University · NIH-10831973

This study is looking at why people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds in cities often have unhealthy diets and higher rates of obesity, and it aims to find ways to help these communities eat better by understanding the factors that influence their food choices.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDrexel University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10831973 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the persistent disparities in diet and obesity among racial and ethnic minorities in urban areas. It employs a collaborative approach, engaging academic, policy, and community stakeholders to create a detailed framework that identifies the various factors contributing to these disparities. By utilizing an agent-based simulation model, the research will analyze how elements like residential segregation and food pricing affect food choices and health outcomes. The goal is to pinpoint effective policy interventions that can promote healthier eating habits in disadvantaged communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups living in urban areas who are affected by diet-related health disparities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to racial or ethnic minority groups or those living in non-urban areas may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted policies that improve dietary choices and reduce obesity rates among racial and ethnic minorities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using similar systems approaches to address health disparities, indicating that this methodology is promising.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 2026-06-13 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.