Understanding why preschoolers from low-income families gain weight during the summer.
Official title: Contextual Determinants of Accelerated Weight Gain During Summer Among Preschoolers from Low-income Households
Funded at University of South Carolina at Columbia · NIH-11075900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why young kids from low-income families tend to gain weight faster during the summer when they're not in daycare, and it aims to find ways to help them stay active and eat healthier during that time.
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 | April 16, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,513 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK139614-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preschool-aged children (3-4 years old) from low-income households who may be at risk for obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Children who are not from low-income households or those who are not in the preschool age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors contributing to accelerated weight gain in preschoolers from low-income households during the summer months. It focuses on understanding the environments, activities, and social interactions of these children when they are not in formal childcare. By using accelerometers and other data collection methods, the study aims to identify patterns in physical activity and dietary habits that may lead to increased body weight. The goal is to develop effective interventions that can help mitigate this weight gain and promote healthier behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted strategies that help prevent excessive weight gain in preschoolers, improving their long-term health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that structured childcare environments can positively influence children's weight status, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
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.