NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how children's self-control affects obesity risk

Official title: Food and Non-Food Self-Regulation in Children's Obesity Risk: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

Funded at University of North Carolina Greensboro · NIH-11018637 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how kids' ability to control their eating and other behaviors affects their chances of becoming overweight, and it’s for families with young children to help find better ways to keep kids healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of North Carolina Greensboro
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Greensboro, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2023
Project endJanuary 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$589,962
NIH project number5R01HD110470-03
Project IDNIH-11018637 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 2 to 5 years, particularly those at risk for obesity due to various factors.

Less likely to help

Patients who are already diagnosed with obesity-related health issues may not benefit directly from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the factors that contribute to childhood obesity by examining how children's self-regulation skills in both food and non-food contexts influence their risk of becoming obese. The study will follow a diverse group of mother-child pairs over several years, assessing their development from prenatal stages through early childhood. By integrating biological, psychological, and environmental factors, the research aims to identify key predictors of obesity risk and improve understanding of how these elements interact. The findings could lead to better strategies for preventing obesity in children.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that help develop effective interventions to prevent obesity in children.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding self-regulation and its impact on obesity can lead to successful interventions, making this approach promising.

Where this research is happening

  • University of North Carolina Greensboro
    Greensboro, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Leerkes, Esther M — University of North Carolina Greensboro
  • Study coordinator: Leerkes, Esther M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.