Understanding how newborn brain networks regulate energy balance and obesity risk
Official title: Fetal Programming of Human Newborn Energy Homeostasis Brain Networks
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11009534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain of newborns helps control their energy and weight, especially to see if certain brain patterns can predict if a child might become overweight later on, which could help us understand how early life experiences affect health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00HD100593-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are newborns aged 0-4 weeks, particularly those with a family history of obesity or metabolic disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 4 weeks or those without any risk factors for obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the brain circuitry involved in energy homeostasis in newborns, focusing on how these networks may influence the risk of childhood obesity. Using advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to explore the developmental origins of these brain circuits and their role in regulating body fat accumulation. By examining the differences in brain structure and function between infants who are at risk for obesity and those who are not, the research seeks to uncover critical insights into how early life factors may shape long-term health outcomes. This work is particularly relevant for understanding the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and early brain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early interventions that help prevent childhood obesity by targeting brain development and energy regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain circuitry in obesity, but this specific approach focusing on newborns is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rasmussen, Jerod Michael — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Rasmussen, Jerod Michael
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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.