How prenatal exposure to certain chemicals and diet affects obesity across generations

Interactions between prenatal obesogen exposure and Total Western diet lead to a transgenerational thrifty phenotype: functional and epigenomic analysis of effects in fat and liver

NIH-funded research University of California-Irvine · NIH-10659049

This study looks at how being around certain chemicals during pregnancy, along with a typical Western diet, might affect weight and health in future generations, helping us understand how these factors change how our bodies store fat and work overall, which could lead to new ways to prevent obesity and related health problems.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project IDNIH-10659049 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how exposure to specific environmental chemicals during pregnancy, combined with a typical Western diet, can influence obesity and related health issues in future generations. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind these effects, particularly how they alter fat storage and liver function. By analyzing both functional and epigenomic changes, the research aims to uncover the long-term impacts of these exposures on body weight and metabolism. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new prevention strategies for obesity and its associated diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as well as their offspring.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not have a family history of obesity-related conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for preventing obesity and related health conditions in future generations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental factors can significantly influence obesity, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

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.
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.