The UFO (Ultra Processed Foods in Obesity) Project

Launched by FEDERICO II UNIVERSITY · Sep 21, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The UFO (Ultra Processed Foods in Obesity) Project is a clinical trial aimed at understanding how eating ultra-processed foods (like sugary snacks and fast food) might be linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome in children and teenagers. With childhood obesity affecting millions of kids worldwide, this study will look at how these foods could be contributing to health problems that can shorten life expectancy. The trial will include participants aged 6 to 18 years who are either diagnosed with obesity, have obesity along with metabolic syndrome, or are healthy controls of the same age and sex.

To participate, children must be of Caucasian ethnicity and fall within the age range specified. They should not have any serious health conditions or recent illnesses that could affect the study. If eligible, participants can expect to take part in assessments that examine their eating habits and health. This research could help us better understand the effects of diet on childhood obesity and inform future strategies to improve children's health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Caucasian ethnicity, both sexes, age ≥6 and ≤18 years, diagnosis of obesity (Group 1), diagnosis of obesity and Metabolic Syndrome (Group 2), and age- and sex-matched healthy controls (Group 3).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Non-Caucasian ethnicity;
• • Age \<6 or \>18 years;
• • Concomitant presence of chronic diseases, neoplasms, immunodeficiencies, chronic infections,autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, metabolic-genetic diseases, cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular/respiratory/gastrointestinal malformations, neuropsychiatric disorders, and neurological disorders;
• • Intake of antibiotics and/or pre/pro/synbiotics;
• • History of obesity surgery and onset of diarrhea or acute gastrointestinal illness during the 12 weeks prior to enrollment;
• • Presence of tattoos, scars, moles or special lesions on both forearms.