How maternal insulin resistance and stress hormones during pregnancy affect a child's risk of obesity

Synergistic effect of maternal insulin-resistance and cortisol in pregnancy on fetal programming of child mitochondrial function and obesity risk

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-10844563

This study is looking at how a mother's insulin resistance and stress hormone levels during pregnancy might affect her child's energy production and fat distribution, which could help us understand ways to prevent obesity in kids later on.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10844563 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how the combination of maternal insulin resistance and cortisol levels during pregnancy influences the development of mitochondrial function in children, which may affect their risk of obesity later in life. The study aims to fill critical gaps in understanding how these maternal factors interact and their potential impact on the distribution of body fat in offspring. Using advanced imaging techniques and a mix of observational and experimental methods, the research will analyze biological samples and physiological data to explore these relationships. By understanding these mechanisms, the research hopes to provide insights into preventing childhood obesity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women experiencing insulin resistance or high stress levels.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those without metabolic or stress-related health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing obesity in children by addressing maternal health during pregnancy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that maternal health significantly impacts childhood obesity, but this specific interaction of insulin resistance and cortisol is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

IRVINE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.