Interoception and Eating Behaviors in Children

Launched by PENN STATE UNIVERSITY · Jul 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how children's ability to recognize and respond to their body signals, like hunger and fullness, affects their eating habits. The study focuses on children aged 7 to 10 years old and aims to find out if improving this awareness can help prevent obesity and related health issues. By understanding how children perceive their bodily feelings, researchers hope to develop better strategies to promote healthy eating behaviors.

To participate, children need to be between 7 and 10 years old, and their parent or guardian must be at least 18. There are some conditions that would prevent a child from joining, such as having certain medical conditions like diabetes or eating disorders. If eligible, participants can expect to take part in activities that help researchers learn more about how they sense their bodily needs. This study is currently recruiting participants, and it could provide valuable insights into ways to support healthier eating habits in children.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Child must be 7-10 years of age
• • Participating parent must be at least 18 years of age, but there is no upper age limit
• • Able to understand and answer questions in English
• Exclusion Criteria (all applicable to child only):
• • BMI for age \<5th percentile
• • Monogenic obesity condition (e.g., Prader Willi syndrome)
• • Autism/autism spectrum disorder
• • Developmental delay
• • Eating disorder
• • Diabetes
• • Heart condition
• • Taking medications impacting appetite (e.g., stimulants, weight control medications)
• • Any other condition significantly impacting growth, eating behavior, or cardiac function
• • Allergy or dietary restriction to study foods
• • Severe/untreated oral/dental health problems
• • Orthodontic procedure or adjustment of braces within the past omonth
• • Oral surgery or major oral/dental procedure within past month
• • Had an x-ray within the past month