Food is Medicine programs to improve diet and reduce cardiometabolic diseases
Official title: Cost-Effectiveness of Food is Medicine Interventions to Improve Diet and Reduce Cardiometabolic Diseases
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11408445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A health study from Tufts University is testing how adding medically tailored meals and food-based prescriptions within healthcare can improve diet and lower cardiometabolic disease risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2013 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $706,034 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL115189-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with cardiometabolic conditions who could participate in Food is Medicine programs or related dietary interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to healthcare facilities offering Food is Medicine programs or without cardiometabolic risk factors may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on prior work showing that giving patients access to healthier foods and nutrition education can benefit health and reduce costs. It will compare different design options for Food is Medicine programs, such as monthly food budgets, specific food groups, and program duration, to see which combinations best improve health outcomes and lower expenses. The study uses modeling and real-world data to understand health and cost impacts across adults with cardiometabolic conditions. Researchers will work with healthcare providers, patients, and policy partners to refine program design for real-world implementation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could guide healthcare systems in implementing cost-effective food programs that improve nutrition and reduce cardiometabolic disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests that Food is Medicine approaches can improve health metrics and reduce costs, though optimal design options require further testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mozaffarian, Dariush — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Mozaffarian, Dariush
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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.