How COVID-19 stress affects childhood obesity and heart health
Official title: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic-related stressors on childhood obesity and cardiometabolic risk
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10877955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress from the COVID-19 pandemic has affected children's weight and health, and it wants to find out what helps some kids stay healthy despite these challenges, so we can create better support for them now and in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $643,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK131410-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 0-21 who have experienced stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or who have not been affected by pandemic-related stressors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to rising rates of obesity and cardiometabolic risks in children. It aims to understand the unique factors that have led to these increases and to identify protective factors that may help some children avoid obesity despite these challenges. By examining the biobehavioral pathways involved, the research seeks to develop effective interventions to support children's health during and after the pandemic. The study will involve prospective assessments to gather data on children's body mass index (BMI) and overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help prevent obesity and improve heart health in children affected by pandemic-related stress.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has indicated that stress can significantly impact childhood obesity, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kunin-Batson, Alicia S — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Kunin-Batson, Alicia S
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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.