Seeing if healthy foods reduce brain inflammation and improve eating habits in kids
Fostering Patient-oriented Research in Cardiometabolic Disease Pathogenesis and Prevention
This project tests whether giving nutritious foods can reduce inflammation in the hypothalamus and whether feeding strategies are practical for children aged 9–11 with overweight.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Seattle, Washington) |
| Trial ID | NCT06870578 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project combines MRI imaging and feeding interventions to examine links between nutritious foods and hypothalamic inflammation in children. One component gathers caregiver and child input through in-person focus groups to shape acceptable feeding strategies. Another component enrolls children aged 9–11 with BMI in the overweight range for MRI scans before and after dietary intervention to measure changes in brain inflammation. A parallel arm examines feasibility and acceptability of the food-feeding approaches in families qualifying for free or reduced-cost lunch.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 9–11 with BMI in the overweight range (≈85th–95th percentile) and their caregivers who can attend in-person sessions at the University of Washington and, for one arm, families who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch in Washington State.
Not a fit: Children with significant health conditions (including type 2 diabetes), a history of major weight loss or eating disorders, current use of appetite- or weight-altering medications, documented cognitive disorders, severe food allergies, or restrictive diets (e.g., vegetarian/vegan) are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to practical dietary approaches that reduce brain inflammation and inform better obesity prevention or management strategies in children.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and human imaging work links diet and hypothalamic inflammation, but using feeding interventions with MRI outcomes in children is relatively novel and not yet well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Study1: Adult caregiver and Child age 9-11y. Willing to come to in-person focus group * Study 2: Age 9-11y, BMI ≥85th and ≤95th percentile for age and sex * Study 3:Adult caregiver with child who qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch in WA State. Child age 9-11y and with overweight. Exclusion Criteria (study 1 child participants and study 3 criteria for children of adult participants): * Significant health conditions including type 2 diabetes * History of major weight loss or eating disorder * Current use of medications known to alter appetite or body weight (e.g., stimulants for ADHD) * Documented cognitive disorder * Severe food allergies, vegetarian, or vegan (Study 1 only) * Unable to make the session date Exclusion Criteria (study 2, child participants): * Significant health conditions including type 2 diabetes * History of major weight loss or eating disorder * Current use of medications known to alter appetite or body weight (e.g., stimulants for ADHD) * Documented cognitive disorder * MRI contraindication (e.g., braces, claustrophobia) * Weight \>330 pounds (MRI limit) * Severe food allergies, vegetarian, or vegan * Currently in formal weight loss program
Where this trial is running
Seattle, Washington
- University of Washington — Seattle, Washington, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ellen Schur, MD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: BRIDGE Study
- Email: bridge-study@uw.edu
- Phone: 206 616-6360
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.