Investigating how different environments affect eating and activity behaviors in mid-life.

A Dynamic Environmental Exposure Approach to Study Behaviors in Mid-Life

NIH-funded research University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10872991

This study looks at how different places you spend time in can affect your eating and exercise habits as you reach middle age, helping to find out what encourages healthy choices and what doesn’t.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10872991 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores how various environments influence dietary and physical activity behaviors in mid-life individuals, a critical period for health. By examining not just residential neighborhoods but also the broader activity spaces where people spend their time, the study aims to identify factors that encourage healthy or unhealthy behaviors. The researchers will utilize Temporal Self-Regulation Theory to analyze how these environmental exposures impact individuals' choices and behaviors over time. This comprehensive approach seeks to provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between environment and health behaviors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are mid-life adults, particularly those aged 40-65, who may be experiencing challenges with diet and physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients outside the mid-life age range or those with stable, healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that promote healthier eating and physical activity habits in mid-life individuals, potentially reducing obesity and chronic disease rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that environmental factors significantly influence health behaviors, but this study aims to provide a novel perspective by focusing on activity spaces rather than just residential neighborhoods.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.