How early life food insecurity affects child obesity and cognitive development

Impacts of Early Life Food Insecurity on Child Obesity and Cognitive Development Trajectories

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10764334

This study looks at how not having enough food during pregnancy and early childhood affects kids' growth and thinking skills, helping us understand the connection between food access and health from birth to age 18.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10764334 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of food insecurity during pregnancy and early childhood on children's growth and cognitive development. By analyzing data from ongoing birth cohort studies, the project aims to understand how varying levels of food access impact maternal health and child outcomes from infancy to age 18. The study employs advanced methods to measure body composition and cognitive function, providing insights into the relationship between food insecurity and obesity as well as cognitive challenges in children and adolescents.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 0-18 who have experienced food insecurity during their early life.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced food insecurity or are outside the age range of 0-18 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and interventions to prevent obesity and cognitive issues in children affected by food insecurity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant associations between food insecurity and negative health outcomes in children, indicating that this study builds on established findings.

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.