Understanding why adolescents regain weight after losing it
Official title: Adaptive Mechanisms Responsible for Weight Regain in Youth with Obesity and the Influence of Sex
Funded at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NIH-11004328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why teenagers who have lost weight sometimes gain it back, focusing on how changes in their bodies during puberty affect their hunger and energy, so we can create better ways to help them keep the weight off for good.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $691,697 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK127991-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced obesity and are seeking effective weight management solutions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not have a history of obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons behind weight regain in adolescents who have previously lost weight. It focuses on understanding the neuroendocrine changes in the gut-brain axis that affect appetite and energy regulation, particularly during puberty. By examining how these mechanisms differ between sexes and how they relate to growth and hormonal changes, the study aims to develop more effective weight management strategies tailored for young people. The findings could lead to new interventions that help maintain weight loss in adolescents over the long term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies to help adolescents maintain weight loss and improve their overall health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding neuroendocrine mechanisms in adults can inform treatment strategies, but this approach in adolescents is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryder, Justin R. — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Ryder, Justin R.
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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.