RecruitingNCT06504654

Interoception and Eating Behaviors in Children

Sponsor

Penn State University

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Oct 31, 2024

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Obesity, Childhood Eating Behavior

Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine how individual differences in interoception (the ability to sense, interpret, and act on bodily feelings like hunger, fullness, thirst, hot, cold, etc.) relate to eating behaviors in children ages 7-10 years. Findings will inform whether interventions targeting interoceptive awareness may be helpful for prevention of obesity and related chronic diseases.

Eligibility

Min Age: 7 Years

Inclusion Criteria3

Child must be 7-10 years of age
Participating parent must be at least 18 years of age, but there is no upper age limit
Able to understand and answer questions in English

Exclusion Criteria14

BMI for age \<5th percentile
Monogenic obesity condition (e.g., Prader Willi syndrome)
Autism/autism spectrum disorder
Developmental delay
Eating disorder
Diabetes
Heart condition
Taking medications impacting appetite (e.g., stimulants, weight control medications)
Any other condition significantly impacting growth, eating behavior, or cardiac function
Allergy or dietary restriction to study foods
Severe/untreated oral/dental health problems
Orthodontic procedure or adjustment of braces within the past omonth
Oral surgery or major oral/dental procedure within past month
Had an x-ray within the past month