Understanding how children's weight changes during summer and school breaks
Identifying Patterns of BMI Development and Associated Behavioral, Social, Environmental, Genetic, and Biological Factors for Children from 3-10 Years
This study looks at how kids' weight changes during summer and school breaks to understand why some gain extra pounds, focusing on things like daylight and the difference in daily routines, and it's for families with children aged 3 to 10 who want to learn more about keeping their kids healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140456 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how children's body mass index (BMI) changes during the summer months and school breaks, focusing on the factors that contribute to weight gain. It explores two main theories: one that links BMI changes to biological rhythms influenced by daylight, and another that examines how the lack of a structured school day affects children's eating and activity habits. By measuring children's BMI before and after summer and breaks, the study aims to identify patterns and factors that lead to increased obesity in children aged 3 to 10 years. The findings could help develop strategies to manage and prevent childhood obesity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 3 to 10 years, particularly those who experience significant changes in their daily routines during summer and school breaks.
Not a fit: Children who do not experience weight changes or who are not affected by seasonal variations in activity and diet may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that help prevent childhood obesity by understanding the factors influencing weight gain during critical periods.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that seasonal changes can impact children's weight, but this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the specific factors involved.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- University of South Carolina at Columbia — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weaver, Robert G — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Weaver, Robert G
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 below.