Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Development of an Eating Behavior Risk Score

United States420 participantsStarted 2026-07-01

Plain-language summary

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 participate

Age range

7 Years – 9 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Children : * Children must be of good health (with the exception of obesity being allowed) based on parental self-report. * Children should have no learning disabilities or developmental delays (e.g., ADHD, Autism, dyslexia) * Children should speak English fluently. * Children should not be on any medications known to influence body weight, taste, food intake, behavior, or blood flow, not be claustrophobic. * Children should between the ages of 7-9 years-old at enrollment. * Children must have a BMI-for-age % \< 85 or ≥ 95 to be enrolled. * The biological mother must have a BMI between 18.5 - 25.0 kg/m2 or a BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. The parent primarily in charge of feeding must be able to accompany children to the visits. Parents : * The biological mother must have a BMI between 18.5 - 25.0 kg/m2 or a BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2. The parent primarily in charge of feeding must be able to accompany children to the visits. * The parent who has the most knowledge of the child's eating behavior, media access, sleep and behavior must be available to attend the visits with their child. This would be decided among the parents. 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 cl…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

fMRI Neural Response to Food Portion Size Images

Timeframe: Baseline

PACE (Portion Size Susceptibility, Appetite Awareness, Loss of Control Eating, and Eating Speed) Phenotype Score

Timeframe: Baseline and 12-month follow-up

Child Adiposity

Timeframe: Baseline and 12-month follow-up

Family Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Timeframe: Baseline

PACE Phenotype Score Consistency Over Time

Timeframe: Baseline and 12-month follow-up

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07266506

SponsorPenn State University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2031-06-30

Contact for this trial

Kathleen L Keller, Ph.D.

814-863-2915 klk37@psu.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Obesity trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

7 Years – 9 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

fMRI Neural Response to Food Portion Size Images

Timeframe: Baseline

PACE (Portion Size Susceptibility, Appetite Awareness, Loss of Control Eating, and Eating Speed) Phenotype Score