Food Genetics Behavior Study (FOODIE)

This study examines the interplay between genotype and phenotype and assesses if energy balance behaviors in the context of the family environment, alone or in combination, can modify behavioral and genetic predispositions to childhood obesity. The research aims to prospectively evaluate the extent to which associations of a heightened drive to eat (HDE) on 1-year changes in weight and adiposity outcomes are independent or additive to those of a genetic risk for obesity among children. In addition, the study aims to prospectively examine risk-modifying energy balance behaviors in areas of diet, physical activity, and sleep that may mitigate the detrimental impact of a HDE or high genetic risk on weight and adiposity outcomes and test whether these factors differ for HDE versus a high genetic risk of obesity on those outcomes. Lastly, the research aims to examine the impact of family-level influences in areas of family functioning and parent feeding on risk-modifying energy balance behaviors in children.

Participants' eating rate and eating in the absence of hunger will be assessed during a videotaped experimental meal. The relative reinforcing value of food will be assessed using a computerized behavioral choice task.

Inclusion Criteria: Healthy children Children ages 5-7 years Children with BMI equal to or greater 5th percentile Mother must be children's biological mother and primary caregiver Mother must be able to read and understand English Exclusion Criteria: Children with serious medical conditions or medication use known to affect food intake, body weight, physical activity, or sleep Children with developmental and/or psychiatric conditions that may impact study compliance Children with food allergies related to study foods or lactose intolerance Children with low preference for study foods