Investigating how energy balance behaviors affect childhood obesity risk factors
Official title: Role of energy balance behaviors in modifying biobehavioral risk factors for childhood obesity
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11004295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a child's genes and their eating habits work together to affect their risk of becoming overweight, especially in kids aged 5 to 7 from families with fewer resources, to find ways to help them develop healthier eating habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $528,747 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK134371-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 5 to 7 from low-resource backgrounds who may be at risk for obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the age range of 5 to 7 or those not from low-resource backgrounds may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the complex relationship between genetic predispositions and energy balance behaviors in children aged 5 to 7, particularly those from low-resource families. It aims to understand how behaviors related to eating, such as appetite and eating patterns, can modify the risk of obesity despite genetic factors. By assessing children's genetic risk scores and their eating behaviors, the study seeks to identify key behavioral drivers that could help prevent childhood obesity. The findings may lead to targeted interventions that promote healthier eating habits in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into effective strategies for preventing childhood obesity by modifying eating behaviors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the interplay between genetic and behavioral factors in obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kral, Tanja V.e. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Kral, Tanja V.e.
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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.