Measuring how community environments contribute to obesity
Official title: Visitation-based obesogenic environment measurement: A novel instrument using Big Data approach
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-11134423 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the neighborhoods we live in can affect our chances of becoming obese, especially in African American communities, by checking things like access to healthy food and places to exercise, so we can better understand and address the differences in obesity rates among different groups.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | July 6, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,571 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD018666-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134423 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults, particularly African Americans, who are at risk of obesity or related health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by obesity or do not reside in the targeted communities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the environments where people live influence their risk of obesity, particularly focusing on African American communities. By utilizing big data, the study aims to create a new tool that measures the availability of healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity in different neighborhoods. The research will analyze factors such as the presence of grocery stores, parks, and transportation options to understand their impact on obesity-related behaviors. The goal is to identify how these environmental factors contribute to obesity disparities among different racial and geographic groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved community planning and public health interventions that reduce obesity rates and related health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community environments significantly impact obesity rates, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Zhenlong — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Li, Zhenlong
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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.