How social isolation and discrimination affect obesity through the brain-gut microbiome in Filipino and Mexican American women
Official title: Social Isolation and Discrimination as Stressors Influencing Brain-Gut Microbiome Alterations among Filipino and Mexican American
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-11202830 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling lonely and facing discrimination affects eating habits and health, especially for Mexican and Filipina women who may be more likely to struggle with obesity, and it involves surveys, food diaries, and some health tests to better understand these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 28, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $62,488 |
| NIH project number | 3R01MD015904-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11202830 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Mexican and Filipina women who experience social isolation or discrimination and are at risk for obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Mexican or Filipina, or who do not experience social stressors related to isolation or discrimination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of social isolation and discrimination on eating behaviors and dietary patterns, particularly among Mexican and Filipina women who are at higher risk for obesity. Participants will be asked to complete surveys about their experiences with social stressors, provide dietary information through a 24-hour food recall, and undergo physical measurements. Additionally, stool and blood samples will be collected to analyze the microbiome and its relationship with obesity. Advanced techniques will be used to integrate data from various sources, including neuroimaging, to understand how these factors influence the brain-gut microbiome axis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for obesity by addressing the social factors that contribute to dietary habits.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social stressors can influence obesity and related health outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Church, Arpana — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Church, Arpana
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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.