Understanding why adolescents gain weight more during summer than school
Official title: Etiology of Accelerated Weight Gain during Summer vs. School in Adolescents: What's UP (Undermining Prevention) with Summer 2
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-10908400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why kids tend to gain weight faster during the summer than when they're in school, and it’s for families with children who want to understand how things like exercise, sleep, screen time, and eating habits affect their health over the years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Carolina at Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $629,055 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK116665-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 0-20, particularly those from low-income households who may be at higher risk for weight gain during the summer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not experience significant weight gain during the summer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind accelerated weight gain in adolescents during the summer months compared to the school year. It focuses on measuring key health behaviors such as physical activity, sleep, screen time, and diet among children from diverse backgrounds. By tracking the same children over multiple years, the study aims to identify patterns in weight gain and the factors contributing to these changes. Participants will have their height and weight measured at the start and end of each summer, alongside detailed recordings of their daily activities and eating habits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective strategies for preventing weight gain in adolescents during the summer, ultimately improving their long-term health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that understanding behavioral patterns in children can lead to successful interventions, making this approach promising yet still in need of further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Carolina at Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beets, Michael W — University of South Carolina at Columbia
- Study coordinator: Beets, Michael W
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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.