Understanding how food and nutrition policies affect childhood obesity
Population-level nutrition interventions and food environment effects on obesity
This project looks at how school food rules and neighborhood food options shape obesity rates in school-age children, especially those of Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193221 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Childhood obesity is a growing concern, and this project focuses on understanding why it's rising, particularly among Asian and Pacific Islander (Asian/PI) children, who may face unique health risks even at lower body weights. We are examining how nutrition policies in schools, such as rules about what foods and drinks can be sold, and the types of food available in communities near schools, influence children's weight. By analyzing a vast amount of existing health data from over a million Asian/PI children, we aim to discover which policies and community factors are most helpful in preventing obesity. This will help us create better strategies to support healthy growth for all children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project uses existing aggregated data on children, specifically focusing on those of Asian and Pacific Islander origins aged 0-11 years, so direct patient participation is not involved.
Not a fit: Patients not within the 0-11 age range or not of Asian/Pacific Islander descent may not directly benefit from the specific findings of this data analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to more effective nutrition policies and community programs tailored to prevent obesity and related health issues in children, particularly within diverse Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
How similar studies have performed: This is the first longitudinal study to examine the combined influences of multiple nutrition policies and community food environments on child obesity and heterogeneity among Asian/PI children using such extensive data.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sanchez, Brisa N — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Sanchez, Brisa N
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.