How water insecurity affects diet and body health across different ages

Differential impacts of water insecurity on diet and body composition throughout the life course

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10994586

This study looks at how not having enough safe water affects what people eat and their body health at different ages, helping us understand how water issues can lead to weight gain and obesity.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10994586 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of water insecurity on diet quality and body composition throughout different life stages. It aims to understand how limited access to safe water affects food preparation, breastfeeding practices, and dietary choices, potentially leading to weight gain and obesity. By using a mixed-methods approach, the study will gather both qualitative and quantitative data to explore the relationship between water access and nutrition. The findings could provide insights into how water insecurity influences health outcomes across various age groups.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages who experience challenges related to water access and its impact on their nutrition.

Not a fit: Patients who have consistent access to safe and sufficient water may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved dietary recommendations and interventions for individuals affected by water insecurity.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of water quality in nutrition has been studied, this research takes a novel approach by focusing on the broader implications of water insecurity on diet and health.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.