Understanding childhood obesity and its causes in American Samoa
Official title: CREBRF Genomics, Gestational Diabetes, and Early Life Body Size in American Samoa
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11119329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what causes childhood obesity in infants and young kids from American Samoa, especially how genes and metabolism play a role, so we can find ways to help them stay healthy from an early age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $248,996 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD107030-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11119329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include infants and young children from American Samoa, particularly those at risk for obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not from American Samoa or do not fall within the early childhood age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors contributing to childhood obesity, particularly focusing on the genetic and metabolic aspects in infants and young children from American Samoa. By utilizing metabolomics, the study aims to explore how variations in body composition, such as fat and lean mass, develop during early life. The research specifically examines the impact of a genetic variant associated with obesity and its paradoxical protective effect against diabetes. The goal is to identify early intervention opportunities to promote better health outcomes for children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing childhood obesity and related health issues in Pacific Islander populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding genetic factors related to obesity, but this specific approach focusing on Pacific Islanders is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heinsberg, Lacey W — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Heinsberg, Lacey W
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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.