Reducing sugary drink consumption to prevent childhood obesity
Official title: Preventing Childhood Obesity Through Youth Empowerment: A Cluster RCT of the H2GO! Program
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10766732 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping kids aged 0-11, especially those from low-income and minority backgrounds, learn how to cut down on sugary drinks to fight childhood obesity, using fun activities and support from the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $547,876 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK120713-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10766732 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11, particularly those from low-income and ethnic minority backgrounds who consume high amounts of sugary beverages.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not consume sugar-sweetened beverages or those outside the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on empowering youth to reduce their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as a way to combat childhood obesity. It involves a community-based intervention developed in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, targeting low-income and ethnic minority children aged 0-11. The program includes health education sessions, critical thinking activities, and youth-led initiatives to foster confidence and skills in making healthier choices. By engaging children directly, the research aims to create sustainable behavior changes that can lead to healthier lifestyles.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the rates of childhood obesity and related health issues among participating youth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions focusing on youth empowerment can effectively reduce unhealthy dietary behaviors, suggesting a promising approach for this initiative.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Monica L. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Wang, Monica L.
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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.