Understanding how maternal obesity affects children's brain development and obesity risk
Neurobiobehavioral Underpinnings of Intergenerational Obesity
This study is looking at how a mother's weight before and during pregnancy might affect her child's brain development and eating habits, with the goal of finding ways to help prevent childhood obesity right from the start.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11161549 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of maternal obesity on the brain development of children, particularly focusing on how it influences behaviors related to food intake and obesity risk. By analyzing data from a pre-birth cohort, the study aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms that may lead to obesity in children exposed to maternal obesity during pregnancy. The research will explore how maternal weight before pregnancy impacts newborn behaviors and brain connectivity, which are crucial for regulating food intake and reward sensitivity. This understanding could lead to innovative strategies for preventing childhood obesity during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women with varying body weights and their newborns, particularly those at risk for obesity.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or whose children are older than two years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights that help prevent childhood obesity and its associated health risks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research in animal models has shown that maternal obesity can significantly affect offspring development, suggesting that similar findings may be applicable to humans.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monthe-Dreze, Carmen Tchokonthe — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Monthe-Dreze, Carmen Tchokonthe
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.