The NIH supports obesity research across the lifespan, examining the causes and consequences of obesity, developing and evaluating new prevention and treatment strategies, and determining how to implement and expand promising approaches to reach those who could most benefit.
Resources for Researchers
Explore databases and tools for obesity research.
Cancer Trends Progress Report: Weight
National data trends that examine obesity prevention and reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, and improving cancer outcomes.
Catalogue of Surveillance Systems
Access to over 100 publicly available datasets relevant to childhood obesity research, including obesity-related health behaviors, outcomes, and determinants; and policies and environmental factors.
Measures Registry
User guides to help researchers select measures for studies in obesity among youth, including an overview of measurement, principles of measurement selection, case studies, and resources.
Registry of Studies
A searchable database of community-based studies assessing known factors impacting rates of childhood obesity, providing information on the study design, measures, content areas, and populations examined.
Funding
Interested in funding opportunities or planning to submit an application in obesity research? Use these tools to find what you need:
NIH Institutes/Centers and Federal Partner Activities
Many NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) actively engage in and support obesity research and may be helpful starting points as you plan your research or if you’re exploring the latest work in a specific area. Because ICs and other federal agencies may have several ongoing obesity programs and projects, we encourage you to use the links provided to find the most up-to-date information, including how to contact program officials who may be able to address your specific questions.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- Section on Overweight and Obesity
- Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch (PGNB)
- Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch (PPB)
- Fertility and Infertility (FI) Branch
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch (IDDB)
- Child Development and Behavior Branch (CDBB)
- Division of Intramural Population Health (DIPHR)
