# eMERGE 4 Obesity Supplement

> **NIH NIH U01** · CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA · 2024 · $312,011

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Escalating rates of childhood obesity have become a global health crisis, with significant impacts
on long-term health. Approximately 19.2% of children in the United States are now affected by obesity.
Returning genetic risk scores for obesity is an innovative approach to obesity intervention that may help
improve prevention and management. This project examines the effects of communicating genetic risk
information to parents regarding childhood obesity and its potential psychosocial impact, perceived value, and
expected response to relevant recommendations.
Objectives: The parent electronic medical records and genomics (eMERGE) program is returning to each of
>4000 pediatric participants a Genomic Informed Risk Assessment (GIRAs) for obesity plus three other
conditions (asthma, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes). Approximately 140 children will receive a GIRA
indicating high risk for obesity. The primary objective of this supplement is to evaluate how the disclosure of
genetic risk information impacts parents' perceptions, psychological responses, and behavioral intentions
concerning management of their children's weight.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted to explore parental responses to the genetic risk
information. Interviewees are parents or guardians of three sub-cohorts: 1) obese child (per electronic health
record (EHR)) with HR obesity [N=15], 2) non-obese child (per EHR) with a HR obesity GIRA [N=15], and 3)
obese child (per parent report and EHR) whose GIRA does not indicate HR for obesity [N=30]. Themes related
to understanding the genetic information, psychosocial impacts, and behavioral intentions will be identified
through thematic analysis.
Expected Results: We anticipate identifying a spectrum of parental responses, from motivated health behavior
changes to feelings of anxiety and guilt about their child's predisposition to obesity. The study will provide
insights into the effectiveness of genetic information in fostering behavior change and the psychological impact
of such disclosures on parents.
Conclusion: This research will enhance our understanding of the role of genetic risk information in managing
childhood obesity. It will contribute to the development of guidelines and interventions that effectively use
genetic information to support health-promoting behaviors, while also considering relevant ethical implications.
Relevance: The findings from this study will inform best practices in genetic counseling and pediatric
healthcare, specifically addressing the ethical, psychological, and practical considerations of disclosing genetic
risks to parents. This is essential for developing interventions that not only prevent obesity but also minimize
potential psychological distress associated with genetic risk communication.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11090745
- **Project number:** 3U01HG011175-05S2
- **Recipient organization:** CHILDREN'S HOSP OF PHILADELPHIA
- **Principal Investigator:** Hakon Hakonarson
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $312,011
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-07-01 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11090745

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11090745, eMERGE 4 Obesity Supplement (3U01HG011175-05S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11090745. Licensed CC0.

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