Call for Research Coordinating Center for Youth Obesity Treatment Research (United States)

Deadline: 09-Sep-2026

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is launching a funding opportunity to establish a Research Coordinating Center that will serve as the central hub for a consortium of clinical research centers investigating optimal anti-obesity medication strategies for youth with obesity.

The initiative aims to generate high-quality evidence on how anti-obesity medications can be used safely and effectively in children and adolescents while supporting healthy physical development, psychological well-being, and sustainable long-term outcomes.

The selected Research Coordinating Center will provide leadership, data management, statistical expertise, operational coordination, and collaboration support across participating clinical research sites.

Funding Details

• Funding Organization: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• Opportunity Type: Research Coordinating Center Grant
• Total Estimated Program Funding: USD 1,000,000
• Maximum Project Duration: 5 years
• Planning Phase: Up to 1 year
• Target Population: Children and adolescents with obesity
• Research Model: Consortium-based clinical research

Purpose of the Funding Opportunity

The primary goal of this initiative is to improve understanding of anti-obesity medication use in children and adolescents and identify treatment approaches that maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

The program seeks to answer critical questions related to:

• When anti-obesity medications should be initiated.
• Which medications are most effective.
• Appropriate dosing and treatment duration.
• Optimal weight-loss targets.
• Integration of lifestyle interventions.
• Long-term health outcomes.
• Predictors of treatment success and failure.

The research is intended to support evidence-based clinical decision-making and improve obesity management strategies for young people.

Key Research Focus Areas

Anti-Obesity Medication Treatment Strategies

Research should evaluate different approaches to medication-based obesity treatment in youth.

Areas of interest include:

• Medication initiation strategies.
• Treatment sequencing.
• Comparative effectiveness of medication classes.
• Medication combinations.
• Long-term treatment approaches.
• Risk-benefit assessment.

Healthy Growth and Development

Studies should examine how obesity treatments influence normal growth and developmental processes.

Research topics may include:

• Physical growth patterns.
• Pubertal development.
• Bone health.
• Metabolic health.
• Long-term developmental outcomes.

Nutrition and Healthy Eating Behaviors

The initiative encourages research focused on improving dietary habits and nutritional outcomes.

Potential topics include:

• Nutritional status assessment.
• Dietary intake patterns.
• Healthy eating behaviors.
• Nutrition counseling approaches.
• Dietary adherence.

Physical Activity Promotion

Researchers may investigate strategies that support active lifestyles alongside medication treatment.

Relevant areas include:

• Exercise interventions.
• Physical activity programs.
• Behavioral support strategies.
• Activity monitoring approaches.

Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being

Research should address the psychological aspects of obesity treatment.

Possible topics include:

• Mental health outcomes.
• Emotional well-being.
• Body image.
• Self-esteem.
• Treatment-related psychological effects.
• Behavioral health interventions.

Quality of Life Outcomes

Studies may evaluate how treatment affects overall well-being.

Areas include:

• Social functioning.
• Daily activities.
• School participation.
• Family relationships.
• Patient-reported outcomes.

Priority Research Questions

The consortium is expected to address several high-priority scientific questions.

When Should Anti-Obesity Medications Be Started?

Research should identify:

• Appropriate developmental stages for treatment initiation.
• Age-specific considerations.
• Biological and clinical indicators for medication use.

What Is the Optimal Amount of Weight Loss?

Studies should examine:

• Safe weight-loss targets.
• Clinically meaningful outcomes.
• Long-term sustainability of weight reduction.
• Effects on growth and development.

Which Medication Approaches Are Most Effective?

Researchers may compare:

• Different medication classes.
• Treatment combinations.
• Dosing schedules.
• Administration frequencies.
• Treatment durations.

What Lifestyle Interventions Should Accompany Medication?

Studies should evaluate:

• Nutrition programs.
• Physical activity interventions.
• Behavioral counseling.
• Family-based approaches.
• Intensity and duration of lifestyle support.

What Factors Predict Treatment Success?

Research may investigate:

• Biological predictors.
• Genetic factors.
• Behavioral characteristics.
• Environmental influences.
• Social determinants of health.
• Predictors of nonresponse.

The goal is to support more personalized obesity treatment approaches.

Role of the Research Coordinating Center

The selected Research Coordinating Center will serve as the operational and scientific backbone of the consortium.

Administrative Leadership

Responsibilities include:

• Consortium management.
• Meeting coordination.
• Progress monitoring.
• Communication support.
• Governance oversight.

Statistical Design and Analysis

The center will:

• Develop statistical plans.
• Support study design.
• Conduct data analyses.
• Ensure methodological consistency.
• Assist with interpretation of findings.

Data Harmonization

The Research Coordinating Center will:

• Establish common data elements.
• Standardize data collection procedures.
• Ensure consistency across sites.
• Support data quality control.

Consortium Database Management

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining databases.
• Data storage and security.
• Data integration.
• Data sharing support.

Collaboration with Central Laboratory

The center will coordinate:

• Biospecimen management.
• Laboratory procedures.
• Standardized testing protocols.
• Quality assurance activities.

Scientific Collaboration

The Research Coordinating Center will foster:

• Multicenter collaboration.
• Joint protocol development.
• Shared scientific priorities.
• Collaborative publications.

Clinical Center Collaboration Model

Participating clinical centers may conduct:

• Independent clinical trials.
• Multicenter clinical trials.

Regardless of study design, all centers will collaborate on:

• Protocol development.
• Standard operating procedures.
• Data collection methods.
• Biospecimen collection standards.
• Common outcome measures.
• Central laboratory activities.
• Data analysis efforts.
• Dissemination of findings.

This collaborative structure is intended to improve consistency, efficiency, and scientific rigor across studies.

Why This Initiative Matters

Childhood and adolescent obesity remain major public health challenges worldwide.

Although anti-obesity medications are becoming increasingly available, important questions remain regarding:

• Long-term safety.
• Appropriate use in youth.
• Effects on development.
• Optimal treatment duration.
• Integration with lifestyle interventions.
• Prevention of lifelong medication dependence.

This initiative seeks to generate evidence that can guide healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and families in making informed treatment decisions.

Who Is Eligible?

A wide range of organizations are eligible to apply.

Eligible applicants include:

• Public institutions of higher education.
• State-controlled institutions of higher education.
• Private institutions of higher education.
• State governments.
• Local governments.
• County governments.
• City or township governments.
• Special district governments.
• Public housing authorities.
• Native American tribal governments.
• Native American tribal organizations.
• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status.
• Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status.
• Independent school districts.
• Small businesses.
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses.

How the Consortium Works

Step 1: Establish the Research Coordinating Center

The selected institution will create the infrastructure necessary to support consortium activities.

Step 2: Coordinate Clinical Centers

The Research Coordinating Center will facilitate communication, collaboration, and study coordination across participating sites.

Step 3: Standardize Research Procedures

The consortium will establish common measures, protocols, and data collection systems.

Step 4: Conduct Clinical Research

Participating centers will implement approved studies investigating anti-obesity medication strategies.

Step 5: Analyze and Integrate Data

The Research Coordinating Center will manage data integration and statistical analyses.

Step 6: Disseminate Findings

Research findings will be shared through:

• Scientific publications.
• Conference presentations.
• Clinical guidance resources.
• Collaborative reports.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Demonstrating experience coordinating multicenter studies.
• Highlighting expertise in obesity research.
• Showing strong statistical and data management capabilities.
• Presenting robust collaboration plans.
• Demonstrating experience with large research consortia.
• Explaining approaches to data harmonization.
• Providing strong project management structures.
• Showing experience with pediatric clinical research.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Providing unclear coordination strategies.
• Underestimating data management requirements.
• Failing to address collaboration challenges.
• Presenting weak statistical plans.
• Omitting data harmonization approaches.
• Lacking experience in multicenter research coordination.
• Providing unrealistic timelines or budgets.

Expected Impact

The initiative aims to generate evidence that supports:

• Safe use of anti-obesity medications in youth.
• Improved treatment effectiveness.
• Better physical and psychological outcomes.
• Personalized obesity management approaches.
• Enhanced clinical implementation strategies.
• Reduced long-term health risks.
• Sustainable obesity treatment models.
• Improved quality of life for children and adolescents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the total funding available?

• The estimated total program funding is USD 1,000,000.

What is the role of the Research Coordinating Center?

• The center will provide administrative leadership, statistical expertise, data management, coordination, and collaboration support for the consortium.

How long can funded projects last?

• Projects may be funded for up to five years, including a planning phase of up to one year.

What research topics are prioritized?

• Anti-obesity medications, healthy development, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, quality of life, treatment optimization, and predictors of treatment response are among the key priorities.

Can clinical centers conduct independent studies?

• Yes. Clinical centers may conduct independent or multicenter trials while participating in consortium-wide collaborative activities.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Higher education institutions, government entities, nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, small businesses, and for-profit organizations are eligible.

What is the long-term goal of the initiative?

• The initiative aims to guide safe, effective, and sustainable use of anti-obesity medications in children and adolescents while promoting lifelong health and reducing unnecessary dependence on medication-based treatment.

Conclusion

The NIH Research Coordinating Center funding opportunity represents a major effort to advance evidence-based obesity treatment for children and adolescents. By supporting a collaborative research consortium focused on anti-obesity medications, lifestyle interventions, developmental outcomes, and personalized treatment approaches, the initiative seeks to improve both short-term and long-term health outcomes for young people living with obesity.

Organizations with expertise in pediatric obesity research, multicenter clinical trials, statistical analysis, and large-scale research coordination should consider this opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could shape future clinical practice and public health policy.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.