NIH-funded research Career grant

How brain development affects appetite and obesity in children and teens

Official title: Neurodevelopment of executive function, appetite regulation, and obesity in children and adolescents

Funded at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · NIH-11018559 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how brain development and thinking skills relate to weight in kids and teens, and it wants to find out how things like what they eat and their surroundings affect their appetite and risk of becoming overweight, so we can help them stay healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Hospital of Los Angeles
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project startApril 15, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$148,837
NIH project number5K01DK135847-03
Project IDNIH-11018559 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation are children and adolescents aged 0-20, particularly those with concerns related to obesity or appetite regulation.

Less likely to help

Patients who are outside the age range of 0-20 years or do not have issues related to obesity or appetite regulation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between brain development, executive function, and obesity in children and adolescents. It aims to understand how factors like nutrition and environmental resources influence appetite regulation and obesity risk. Using advanced imaging techniques like MRI and innovative statistical methods, the study will analyze how these elements interact over time. By examining these connections, the research seeks to identify critical periods for intervention to promote healthier outcomes in youth.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing obesity and enhancing cognitive development in children and adolescents.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between brain development and obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
    Los Angeles, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Adise, Shana — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
  • Study coordinator: Adise, Shana

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.