Preventing obesity in new mothers at risk for heart disease

Obesity Prevention in Postpartum Women at High-Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10908432

This study is all about helping new moms, especially those at risk for heart problems, to manage their weight after having a baby by using fun and supportive ways to encourage healthy habits.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10908432 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on helping postpartum women, especially those at high risk for cardiovascular disease, to manage their weight effectively. It aims to understand the factors that lead to excessive weight retention after childbirth and to develop a behavioral intervention that combines social incentives and game design elements to encourage healthy lifestyle changes. Participants will engage in a structured weight loss program tailored to their needs, with support from experienced mentors in cardiovascular and maternal health. The goal is to create a scalable solution that can be implemented widely to improve health outcomes for these women.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are postpartum women, particularly those who have experienced preeclampsia or are at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are not postpartum or those without risk factors for cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce obesity rates among postpartum women, thereby lowering their risk of cardiovascular disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that combining behavioral interventions with social incentives can effectively promote healthy behaviors in various populations, suggesting a promising approach for this study.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.