Investigating how brain inflammation affects weight gain during pregnancy
Official title: The Role of Mediobasal Hypothalamic Gliosis in Gestational Weight Gain and Gestational Visceral Fat Accretion
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10742432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation in a part of the brain affects weight gain during pregnancy, helping us understand why some women gain more weight than others and how to better manage it for healthier pregnancies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 17, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $448,441 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD109652-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10742432 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are concerned about their weight gain and may be at risk for excessive gestational weight gain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have pre-existing metabolic disorders unrelated to gestational weight gain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of inflammation in a specific part of the brain, the mediobasal hypothalamus, and how it influences weight gain during pregnancy. It aims to understand why some women gain excessive weight during pregnancy, which can lead to long-term health issues. By examining brain imaging and inflammatory responses, the study seeks to uncover the complex interactions between diet, physical activity, and neurobiological factors that contribute to weight gain. This could lead to new insights into managing weight gain in pregnant women more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing weight gain during pregnancy, enhancing maternal health and reducing long-term metabolic issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding brain mechanisms related to weight gain can lead to significant advancements in obesity treatment, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandrasekaran, Suchitra — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Chandrasekaran, Suchitra
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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.