Examining how race and stress affect obesity in adolescent girls
Ethnic Influences on Stress, Energy Balance and Obesity in Adolescents
University of California, Irvine · NCT03369691
This study looks at how race and stress affect weight gain in teenage girls to see if it can help us understand and reduce obesity in different racial groups.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of California, Irvine (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Irvine, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT03369691 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the connections between race, stress, and biobehavioral factors that influence energy balance and obesity among African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian adolescent females. It aims to understand how stress impacts dietary choices and body weight during a critical developmental period. By analyzing these factors in both natural and controlled settings, the study seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to obesity disparities among different racial groups. The findings could inform new clinical guidelines aimed at reducing obesity and its associated health risks in these populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are African-American, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic White females aged 13-17 years with varying BMI classifications.
Not a fit: Patients who are underweight, actively trying to lose weight, or have significant psychiatric or medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing and managing obesity in adolescent girls, particularly in African-American and Hispanic populations.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies examining obesity and stress, this specific focus on racial and sex-specific disparities in adolescents is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * African-American, Hispanic, Non-Hispanic White females from 13-17 years old and Tanner Stage ≥III. * BMI values will be balanced (1/3rd normal, 1/3rd overweight and 1/3rd obese range percentile BMI values) using Center for Disease Control criteria Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with a BMI below the normal range, trying to lose weight, on medications that affect appetite or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, or with a history of bariatric surgery, will be excluded. * Restrained or binge eaters, individuals who score below 50 on a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale for foods provided in the study, or those allergic to these foods will be excluded. * Participants with major psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, eating, mood, substance use disorders) or medical problems (e.g., endocrine disorders or unstable cardiac, pulmonary or renal conditions) will be excluded. * Pregnant females, or those suspected of being pregnant, will be excluded.
Where this trial is running
Irvine, California
- Universty of California, Irvine — Irvine, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Uma Rao, MD — University of California, Irvine
- Study coordinator: Ece Tan, BS
- Email: entan@hs.uci.edu
- Phone: 949-824-3025
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.
Conditions: Obesity, Adolescent, Stress, Physical Activity