NICHD goals related to overweight and obesity cover a broad range of areas, including:
- Preventing obesity through a better understanding of the genetic, molecular, and organ-system factors related to adiposity
- Exploring social and psychological antecedents of behaviors related to nutrition and physical activity
- Understanding the role of obesity in pregnancy and perinatal health
- Promoting the health of particular populations that are at increased risk for obesity
- Creating and testing interventions for various settings, such as in homes, schools, community centers, and camps