Examining how children's ability to sense bodily feelings relates to their eating behaviors
Official title: Interoception and Eating Behaviors in Children
Run by Penn State University · NCT06504654 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study looks at how well kids aged 7-10 can recognize their hunger and fullness signals and how that affects their eating habits and weight.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Penn State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (University Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT06504654 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 7-10 years who can understand and respond to questions in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conditions such as monogenic obesity, autism, developmental delays, or those taking medications that affect appetite may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between interoception, which is the ability to sense and interpret bodily signals like hunger and fullness, and eating behaviors in children aged 7-10 years. The study aims to determine how interoceptive awareness correlates with body mass index (BMI) and non-homeostatic eating patterns. It will also assess the role of hormones like ghrelin and leptin in hunger and satiety signals. By identifying interoceptive phenotypes, the research seeks to predict obesity risk and inform potential interventions for obesity prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to targeted interventions that improve interoceptive awareness in children, potentially preventing obesity and related chronic diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on interoception in children is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of interoception in eating behaviors and obesity.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where it's running
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Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emily Hohman, PhD
- Email: eeh12@psu.edu
- Phone: 8148655245
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.