Understanding how obesity develops in children from infancy to childhood
Official title: Neural and behavioral mechanisms of obesity development from infancy through childhood
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11062414 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different kids might be at risk for obesity based on their genes and their environment, and it uses brain scans to understand how these factors affect their eating habits and weight from a young age, with the goal of finding ways to help them develop healthier eating habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $620,640 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136602-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062414 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include children aged 0-11 years, particularly those with a family history of obesity or other risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with obesity-related metabolic disorders may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the individual differences in obesity risk among children, focusing on how genetic and environmental factors influence appetitive behaviors that drive food intake and weight gain. By utilizing advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to uncover the neurodevelopmental mechanisms that contribute to variations in appetite and weight from infancy through early childhood. The research will analyze brain structures and functions related to appetite control and reward processing, providing insights into how these factors may lead to obesity as children grow. The findings could help identify critical periods for intervention to promote healthier eating habits and weight management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for preventing and treating obesity in children, ultimately improving their long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the neurodevelopmental aspects of obesity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carnell, Susan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Carnell, Susan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how knee pain and knee obesity and muscle loss affect knee osteoarthritis
This project looks at how knee swelling, excess knee fat, and muscle loss relate to pain and structural changes in knee osteoarthritis in adults.
-
Understanding how maternal and infant sleep and daily rhythms influence early appetite and obesity risk
This project explores how infant sleep, circadian rhythms, and maternal-infant timing relate to early appetite patterns and the risk of obesity in the first year of life.
-
GLP-1 receptor agonists as immune targets to treat asthma in lean and obese adults
Aims to understand how GLP-1R‑agonist diabetes medicines may directly calm immune cells to reduce asthma in adults who are lean or obese.
-
Understanding how where you live and personal factors during pregnancy affect a child’s risk for obesity and metabolic problems
This project looks at how neighborhood conditions and individual factors during pregnancy may influence a child’s risk of obesity and metabolic health as they grow.
-
Multicomponent lifestyle program to curb obesity and cardiometabolic risk in Samoan children
A locally designed lifestyle program aimed at preventing obesity and heart-disease risk in Samoan kids, with a focus on daily routines, healthy eating, sleep, and family support.
-
Game-based mobile app to help pregnant women with overweight/obesity manage weight in Nepal
A new app designed for pregnant women in Nepal with overweight or obesity to help manage weight gain during pregnancy and reduce weight retention after birth.
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.