Understanding how outdoor time and stress affect childhood obesity through gut health
Official title: Childhood Obesity: the role of the gut Microbiome, outdoor Time, and Stress(COMETS)
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11031986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like the gut bacteria in kids, time spent playing outside, and stress can affect childhood obesity, especially in families with fewer resources, and it’s exploring whether outdoor preschools can help kids stay healthier and happier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,825 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL168373-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are children aged 0-11 years, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are not affected by obesity or those from high socioeconomic status households may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between childhood obesity and factors such as the gut microbiome, outdoor time, and stress levels in children. It focuses on how social determinants of health, particularly in low socioeconomic status households, contribute to obesity risk. By exploring outdoor preschools as a potential intervention, the study aims to enhance resilience against these risk factors and improve children's health outcomes. The methodology includes assessing gut microbiome diversity and its connection to obesity while considering environmental influences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for preventing and managing childhood obesity, particularly in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: While research on outdoor time and its effects on health is emerging, rigorous studies specifically linking outdoor preschools to childhood obesity prevention are limited, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fyfe-Johnson, Amber — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Fyfe-Johnson, Amber
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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.