Investigating factors influencing childhood obesity
Early Brain Development and Child Nutrition and Obesity
This study looks at why some kids become overweight by checking their eating habits, genetics, and brain development to find ways to help prevent or treat obesity early on.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Ages | 7 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Baltimore, Maryland and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06861868 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The RESONATE project aims to understand why some children develop obesity by analyzing data on eating behaviors, genetic and environmental influences, and brain structure and function. This observational study focuses on a sub-sample of families from the larger RESONANCE study, tracking children from infancy through middle childhood. By examining the neurodevelopmental mechanisms that affect appetite and weight gain, the study seeks to identify risk and protective factors that contribute to obesity. The findings will help lay the groundwork for early interventions to prevent or treat obesity in children.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 7-12 years from the RESONANCE cohort with no food allergies.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological, psychiatric, or developmental disorders, or those with contraindications for MRI, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to early interventions that effectively prevent or treat obesity in children.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding obesity through similar approaches, but this specific investigation into neurodevelopmental mechanisms is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants from the RESONANCE cohort are eligible if the participant will reach 7-12 years of age during the proposed project period and have no food allergies. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria for RESONANCE include: 1. In utero exposure to alcohol, cigarette, or illicit substances; 2. First trimester fetal US abnormalities; 3. Complicated pregnancy (e.g., pre-eclampsia); 4. Complicated delivery, including APGAR scores less than 8 and/or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission; 5. History of neurological (e.g., epilepsy), psychiatric (e.g., anxiety or depression requiring treatment with medication) or developmental disorder (e.g., autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia); 6. Contraindications for MRI including metal in the body, claustrophobia.
Where this trial is running
Baltimore, Maryland and 3 other locations
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc. — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
- Rhode Island Hospital — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Washington — Seattle, Washington, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Susan Carnell, PhD — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Susan Carnell, PhD
- Email: susan.carnell@jhmi.edu
- Phone: 410-955-7192
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.