This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications from institutions/organizations which propose to characterize or identify factors in early childhood (birth-24 months) that may increase or mitigate risk for obesity and/or excessive weight gain and/or to fill methodological research gaps relevant to the understanding of risk for development of obesity in children. Studies should propose research in children from birth to 24 months, although any proposed follow-up assessments, if applicable, may continue past this period. Studies may also assess factors relevant to families and/or caregivers of children from birth to 24 months. Applications should seek to fill unique research needs and involve expertise across disciplines as appropriate for the proposed research question.

The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.