Development of an Eating Behavior Risk Score (NCT07266506)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
This study will explore how children's eating behaviors are connected to brain activity and body fat levels. Researchers are especially interested in a behavior pattern called the PACE phenotype, which includes how much children eat when offered large portions, how quickly they eat, their appetite traits, and their ability to control eating. The goal is to better understand why some children are more likely to gain weight than others. The study will include children between the ages of 7 and 9 and will follow them for one year. Researchers will use brain scans, lab-based meal observations, and questionnaires to study how children respond to food and how their eating patterns relate to body fat at the start of the study and one year later. The study will also look at how family background, parenting, and other factors might protect some children from gaining excess weight even if they show risky eating behaviors. Results may help identify which children are most at risk for obesity and guide future strategies for prevention.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (10 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (12 items).
Location: Metabolic Kitchen and Children's Eating Behavior Lab — State College, Pennsylvania
Age range: 7 Years to 9 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Assessment of PACE Eating Phenotype and Related Behavioral and Neurobiological Measures (BEHAVIORAL)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria: Children :
- They are not within the age requirements (\< 7 years-old or \> 9 years-old) at baseline.
- They are taking cold or allergy medication, or other medications known to influence cognitive function, taste, appetite, or blood flow.
- They are red/green colorblind.
- They do not speak English fluently.
- They report being claustrophobic, or if they have any of the following: a learning disability, ADD/ADHD, language delays, autism, dyslexia, a pre-existing medical condition such as type I or type II diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Cushing's syndrome, Down's syndrome, food allergies, severe lactose intolerance, Prader-Willi syndrome, HIV, cancer, renal failure, or cerebral palsy.
- They have tattoos, permanent makeup, dental ware, pacemakers, or metal implants that would preclude safe completion of the MRI.
- They have received an X-ray in the previous month.
- Their BMI-for-age percentile is between 85-95th Parents :
- The biological mother has a body mass index \< 18.5 kg/m2 or between 25-29.9 kg/m2.
- The primary parent in charge of making feeding decisions is unable to attend the study visits.
- The family reports plans to move away from the area in the next year.
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Metabolic Kitchen and Children's Eating Behavior Lab — State College, Pennsylvania
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (814) 863-2915
Email: klk37@psu.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.