Preventing excess weight in young children with Down syndrome
Obesity Prevention Targets for Down Syndrome
This project will test ways to prevent excess weight in young children with Down syndrome by tracking their growth, eating, activity, and sleep.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176816 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We will follow young children with Down syndrome over several years and visit them regularly to measure weight, diet, physical activity, motor skills, and sleep. Caregivers will report on feeding habits, daily routines, and any medical concerns. The team will combine these measurements to identify which factors most strongly drive early weight gain. Findings will point to practical targets caregivers and clinicians can use to help children stay at healthier weights as they grow.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Young children with Down syndrome—particularly around ages 2–6—and their caregivers who can attend regular study visits and complete caregiver questionnaires.
Not a fit: People without Down syndrome or adults with long-standing obesity who are outside the early-childhood prevention window are unlikely to benefit directly from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify changeable habits and care practices that prevent overweight and obesity in children with Down syndrome, improving long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Most prior work has been retrospective and descriptive, so this prospective, longitudinal approach for early obesity prevention in Down syndrome is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Daunhauer, Lisa Ann — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Daunhauer, Lisa Ann
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 below.