Understanding how obesity affects the uterus for pregnancy

Investigating obesity and adiposity-induced alterations to the human endometrium

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11146743

This work explores how obesity changes the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, which is important for women trying to get pregnant.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11146743 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Obesity is a common health challenge that can make it harder for women to become pregnant, often leading to issues like irregular periods, difficulty ovulating, and miscarriage. While many factors can cause infertility, obesity is one that can sometimes be managed. This project focuses on the uterus lining, or endometrium, to understand how obesity might prevent it from properly preparing for a pregnancy. By learning more about these changes, we hope to find new ways to help women with obesity achieve a healthy pregnancy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for women aged 21 and older who are experiencing obesity and related reproductive challenges such as menstrual irregularities, anovulation, or infertility.

Not a fit: Patients whose infertility is not related to obesity or endometrial function may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help women with obesity overcome infertility and achieve pregnancy by targeting the health of the uterine lining.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work using human cells and animal models has suggested a link between obesity and uterine lining issues, but this project aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.