Examining how genetics and family influence childhood obesity
Role of Energy Balance Behaviors in Modifying Biobehavioral Risk Factors for Childhood Obesity
This study is trying to see how genetics and family habits affect obesity in young children aged 5-7, especially those from low-resource backgrounds, to find ways to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 242 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 7 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05783765 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the relationship between genetic predispositions and behavioral factors in the development of obesity among children aged 5-7 years. It focuses on how energy balance behaviors, such as diet, physical activity, and sleep, interact with genetic risk and family dynamics to affect weight and adiposity outcomes. By assessing a high-risk group of predominantly minority children from low-resource backgrounds, the research aims to identify protective factors that could help mitigate obesity risk. The study will evaluate the impact of heightened drive to eat and family-level influences on these outcomes over a one-year period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy children aged 5-7 years with a BMI at or above the 5th percentile, whose biological mothers are the primary caregivers.
Not a fit: Children with serious medical conditions, developmental or psychiatric disorders, or food allergies related to study foods may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new strategies for preventing childhood obesity by identifying key behavioral and familial factors that protect against genetic risks.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in exploring the interplay between genetics and behavior in obesity, but this specific approach focusing on family influences is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Penn Medicine Center for Weight and Eating Disorders — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zenas Okero
- Email: zokero@nursing.upenn.edu
- Phone: (215) 746-2061
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.