Understanding health and eating behaviors in children
Executive Functioning, Weight Trajectories, and Loss of Control Eating in Children With Overweight/Obesity: A Prospective Study
This study looks at how children's thinking skills and brain activity affect their eating habits and weight, especially for those at risk of obesity and binge-eating disorder.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04701671 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationships between executive functioning, neural activity, and eating behaviors in children at risk for obesity and binge-eating disorder. It aims to assess how general and food-specific executive functioning impacts weight gain and loss of control eating over time. By examining these associations, the study seeks to identify potential predictors of eating and weight outcomes, which could inform the development of targeted interventions for affected youth.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children and adolescents who are overweight or at risk for obesity and binge-eating disorder, without significant medical or psychiatric conditions affecting their eating behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that significantly affect eating or weight, such as diabetes or bulimia nervosa, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating pediatric obesity and binge-eating disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in understanding the links between executive functioning and eating behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Not currently taking any medications known to affect weight or appetite * Free of any current or past medical or psychiatric conditions known to significantly affect eating or weight (e.g., diabetes, bulimia nervosa), with the exception of binge eating disorder * In the low average range or higher on measures of general intellectual functioning * Free of any conditions affecting executive functioning (e.g., recent concussion, history of traumatic brain injury) * Fluent in English, and able to read and comprehend study materials * Not currently pregnant
Where this trial is running
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations
- University of PIttsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center — Providence, Rhode Island, United States (Active_not_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrea B. Goldschmidt, Ph.D. — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Erin Stalvey, B.S.
- Email: stalveyer@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-586-9066
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.