Understanding how early life factors influence obesity risk

A Pre-, Peri-, and Post-natal Approach to Understanding the Risk and Mechanisms for Obesity

['FUNDING_R01'] · MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11045718

This study is looking at how things that happen before, during, and after birth, like a mom's weight and the bacteria in her baby's gut, can influence whether a child might become overweight later on, and it’s for families who want to understand more about healthy growth in their little ones.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11045718 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how factors before, during, and after birth can affect the risk of obesity in children. It focuses on the role of gut bacteria and their metabolites in shaping an infant's growth and health. By examining the relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and the infant gut microbiota, the study aims to uncover how these early exposures can program a child's likelihood of developing obesity. The research will involve analyzing samples from mothers and their infants to identify key biological mechanisms at play.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women and their infants, particularly those with varying maternal BMI.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are older than 2 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing obesity in young children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

EAST LANSING, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.