The effects of maternal obesity on liver health in children

Maternal Obesity and Pediatric NAFLD: Fetal Origins and Long-term outcomes in Non Human Primates

NIH-funded research University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10875459

This study looks at how being overweight during pregnancy can affect kids' liver health, specifically the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, by using a model that mimics human biology, and it hopes to find ways to help prevent liver problems in children of moms who are obese.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10875459 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how maternal obesity influences the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children, using a nonhuman primate model that closely resembles human physiology. The study examines the impact of a high-fat diet consumed by mothers during pregnancy and its long-term effects on their offspring's liver health. By analyzing liver tissue and metabolic responses, researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind the increased risk of NAFLD in children born to obese mothers. This research could provide insights into early interventions to prevent liver disease in at-risk youth.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents who have a family history of obesity or liver disease.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by obesity or do not have a family history of liver disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing liver disease in children born to obese mothers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that maternal diet can significantly affect offspring health, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Oklahoma City, 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 2026-06-10 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.