Preventing toddler obesity with playful parent–child groups
Reducing obesity through play: A randomized control trial
This program offers playful parent–toddler groups to help prevent obesity in children aged 18–36 months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180113 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You and your toddler would attend regular FUNPALs Playgroup sessions that mix fun play with short lessons about healthy eating, activity, and positive parenting. Families are randomly assigned to join the playgroup or a comparison condition so researchers can compare outcomes over time. The program was co-designed with diverse families and focuses on practical skills for handling toddler feeding challenges and encouraging activity. Participation includes follow-up visits to track children's growth, eating, and activity patterns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are toddlers about 18–36 months old and their parent or primary caregiver who can attend regular in-person playgroup sessions.
Not a fit: Children outside the targeted age range, families unable to attend sessions regularly, or children with medical conditions affecting growth or feeding may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help toddlers develop healthier eating and activity habits and lower their risk of obesity as they grow.
How similar studies have performed: A prior FUNPALs Playgroup pilot successfully engaged a diverse sample and showed promising feasibility and engagement, but larger randomized data are still needed to confirm health benefits.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ledoux, Tracey Ann — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Ledoux, Tracey 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.