Food Genetics Behavior Study

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · Mar 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Food Genetics Behavior Study is looking at how genetics and family habits affect childhood obesity. Researchers want to understand if certain behaviors, like eating habits, how much kids exercise, and their sleep patterns, can help reduce the risk of gaining weight, especially for children who might be more likely to become obese due to their genes. The study will follow children over a year to see how their drive to eat affects their weight and whether family influences, like how parents feed their children or how the family interacts, play a role in these behaviors.

To participate, children must be healthy, between 5 to 7 years old, and have a body mass index (BMI) that is at least in the 5th percentile for their age. Their mother must be their primary caregiver and able to read English. Children with serious health issues, those on medications that influence weight or food intake, or specific dietary restrictions may not be eligible. Participants can expect to engage in activities that explore their eating and lifestyle habits while also contributing to important research that could help families manage weight and health better.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Healthy children
• • Children ages 5-7 years
• • Children with BMI equal to or greater 5th percentile
• • Mother must be children's biological mother and primary caregiver
• • Mother must be able to read and understand English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children with serious medical conditions or medication use known to affect food intake, body weight, physical activity, or sleep
• • Children with developmental and/or psychiatric conditions that may impact study compliance
• • Children with food allergies related to study foods or lactose intolerance
• • Children with low preference for study foods