How prenatal exposure to phthalates affects childhood obesity and dietary strategies to protect against it
Official title: Influences of Prenatal Phthalate Exposure on Early Childhood Overweight/Obesity and Potentially Protective Dietary Strategies
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-10975064 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain chemicals during pregnancy might affect a child's weight as they grow up, and it will also explore ways to help reduce any weight gain linked to these chemicals through diet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 3, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $40,488 |
| NIH project number | 1R36OD037660-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975064 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant individuals and their children, particularly those who may have been exposed to phthalates during pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are beyond early childhood may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of prenatal exposure to phthalates, a type of endocrine-disrupting chemical, on the development of obesity in early childhood. It aims to identify how these environmental factors may alter infant physiology and metabolism, potentially leading to increased body mass index (BMI) in children. The study will also explore dietary strategies that could mitigate the obesogenic effects of phthalates, focusing on the critical prenatal period. By analyzing various metabolites and their effects, the research seeks to uncover modifiable risk factors for obesity prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations and interventions that help prevent obesity in children exposed to harmful chemicals during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored the effects of prenatal phthalate exposure, this research aims to address methodological limitations and could provide novel insights into dietary interventions, making it a potentially groundbreaking approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Webb, Mary — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Webb, Mary
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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.