At a glance
CDC's Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) projects fund research about the implementation of evidence-based strategies to prevent and treat child obesity. Funded organizations focus on families with lower incomes in diverse communities.
Background
Many research initiatives have studied ways to prevent and manage childhood obesity. Historically, these initiatives had a limited ability to affect the multiple settings that influence children's nutrition and physical activity behaviors.
CORD projects test the implementation of interventions that were previously proven effective. Over time, CORD researchers have worked in real-world pediatric health care settings, schools, early care and education centers, and communities.
The first CORD project (2011–2015) was in communities in Texas, Massachusetts, and California. It also included an evaluation center. Recipients combined efforts from pediatric health care settings with public health interventions in schools, early care and education centers, and communities.
Building on this work, CORD 2.0 (2016–2018) researched interventions in health care settings to improve obesity screening and counseling. Researchers learned more about Family Healthy Weight Programs. They learned about their impact on parents and other family members. They also learned more about how to implement them.
CORD 3.0 (2019–2024) funded five teams. They are researching implementation strategies and tools to adapt, test, and package effective Family Healthy Weight Programs. CORD 3.0 works toward sustainable and cost-effective programs. CORD 3.0 aims to increase the availability of effective obesity treatment for millions of children from families with lower incomes.
Project Funding
Funding for CORD 1.0 was authorized through the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) and appropriated $25 million through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010.
The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) appropriated an additional $10 million and extended the program for 2 years (CORD 2.0; grantees funded 2016–2018).
CORD 3.0 was funded through the Healthy Kids Act of 2018 with $30 million (five grantees funded 2019–2024).