University of Cincinnati Researchers Secure Funding for Youth Weight Gain Intervention
University of Cincinnati researchers in the Cleveland-Akron (Canton) area have received funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute to expand interventions aimed at managing weight gain in youth taking antipsychotic medications.
Cleveland Akron, OH, September 11, 2026 — Researchers affiliated with the University of Cincinnati are set to broaden their efforts to combat weight gain among young individuals undergoing treatment with antipsychotic medications. The initiative, focused on the Cleveland-Akron (Canton) region, has received financial backing from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).
The funding will support the expansion of interventions designed to manage and mitigate weight gain, a known side effect of certain antipsychotic drugs used in pediatric populations. The specific amount of funding was not provided in the summary.
Antipsychotic medications are often prescribed to treat serious mental health conditions in youth, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe mood disorders. However, a significant number of young patients experience substantial weight gain as a consequence of these treatments, which can lead to other health complications, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and reduced quality of life.
The project aims to build upon existing research and interventions developed by the University of Cincinnati team. While the exact nature and scope of these interventions were not detailed, the focus is on patient-centered outcomes, suggesting a collaborative approach involving patients, families, and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to conduct research that provides patients, clinicians, and other healthcare stakeholders with the evidence needed to make informed health decisions. PCORI funds comparative clinical effectiveness research to inform health care decision-making, and it prioritizes research that answers patient and caregiver questions.
The summary did not specify the timeline for the expansion of these interventions or the expected number of youth to be reached by the program. Further details regarding the research team members or specific clinical sites involved in the Cleveland-Akron (Canton) area were also not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Cleveland.com Express Desk on www.cleveland.com, see more information here.
