Reducing obesity in toddlers through playful learning for families
Official title: Reducing obesity through play: A randomized control trial
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11388648 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A family-friendly program for 18–36 month olds and their parents that uses fun playgroups to help prevent obesity and related health problems.
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 start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $576,061 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD114793-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11388648 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Toddlers aged 18–36 months and their parents from at-risk, low-SES backgrounds, especially African American and Hispanic communities.
✕Less likely to help
Families without access to or interest in group play-based programming may see little benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds on a small, successful pilot to offer a FUNPALs Playgroup for at-risk families, focusing on warm parent-child interactions along with nutrition and physical activity activities. Using the Intervention Mapping Framework, it provides interactive, age-appropriate activities and parenting tips to support healthy eating and active play. The study will recruit low-SES families with African American and Hispanic children to test whether this approach reduces obesity risk in toddlers over time. Families participate in regular playgroups and learn practical skills that fit into daily routines. Outcomes will include changes in parenting practices, toddler activity, and dietary habits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, families could experience healthier toddler growth patterns and healthier habits that persist into early childhood.
How similar studies have gone: A pilot FUNPALs Playgroup showed feasibility and engagement with at-risk families, supporting the potential for broader impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ledoux, Tracey Ann — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Ledoux, Tracey Ann
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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.