Plant Stanols and Liver Inflammation in Overweight and Obese Children
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver DiseaseNon-alcoholic Steatohepatitis6 moreObesity is associated with a variety of co-morbidities. Children with obesity are more likely to have risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and CVD risk markers (e.g. hypertension, elevated serum cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes mellitus), but also with organ specific pathologies such as a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A recent meta-analysis has shown that the prevalence of NAFLD in obese pediatric populations is approximately 35%, compared to approximately 8% in general pediatric population, making it a very important health threat in these populations. Successful pharmacological interventions to treat or prevent NASH are not yet available and so far only weight loss has clear benefits. However, it is well known that sustained weight-loss is difficult to achieve on the longer-term. The investigators recently demonstrated in mice that plant sterol and stanol ester consumption inhibited the development of liver inflammation. Moreover, Javanmardi et al. recently demonstrated in a population of adult NAFLD patients, that plasma concentrations of Alanine Transaminase (ALT) were reduced after daily plant sterol consumption (1.6 g/d) for 6 weeks. In this study, the investigators propose to evaluate the effect of consuming soft chews enriched with plant stanol esters (3 grams/day) on ALT concentrations in children with overweight or (morbid) obesity who are at risk of developing NAFLD, in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double blinded study with an intervention period and follow-up period of 6 months. 52 overweight and obese children with elevated ALT concentrations (>39 U/L for boys and >33 U/L for girls) will be included. All children will be randomly allocated to consume control or plant stanol ester enriched soft chews on a daily basis for a period of 6 months. After 12 months there will be an additional blood sample to evaluate whether the 6 months intervention is still effective.
Group Sessions and Web-based Treatment Targeting Children With Obesity Age 5-12 Years and Their...
Childhood ObesityThe aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of group sessions and a web-based program for children with obesity age 5-12 years and their parents. The intervention consist of a doctor's appointment, four group-based education sessions over four weeks, psychical activity on prescription and a 12-week web-based treatment program and will be offered to children aged 5-12 years with obesity (International Obesity Task Force-BMI >30), and their parents.
Effect of Exercise Timing on Energy Intake and Appetite in Adolescents With Obesity: the TIMEX 3...
Pediatric ObesityThe aim of the present study is to compare the effect of the timing (30 vs. 90 minutes) between a fixed exercise and the following test meal on energy intake, appetite feelings and food reward in adolescents with obesity.
Exercise and Behavioral Therapy in Obese Children
Childhood ObesityThe aim of this study is to compare the effects of exercise training and family-based behavioral treatment, either in individual or in group setting, in pre-pubertal children and their mother.
A Trial of Two Family-based Childhood Obesity Treatment Programs
ObesityChildhoodThe primary aim is to determine the relative effectiveness in child BMI z-scores at 3, 6, and 12-months post baseline of iChoose+ versus Family Connections. Secondary aims are to determine (1) ongoing reach, fidelity, and implementation costs, (2) community capacity for implementation and sustainability, (3) relative impact on family eating/physical activity and parental weight, and (4) relative adherence and potential dose response relationships.
A Scalable Weight Control Intervention for Adolescents
Pediatric ObesityCommunity-based programs are needed to improve dissemination of efficacious treatment for adolescent obesity. The current study aims to modify a community-based program, delivered through the YMCA, to increase its effectiveness with adolescents. Adolescents will be randomized to either a 16-week standard program (JOIN) or a targeted intervention tailored for adolescents (TEEN JOIN). Primary outcomes include changes in BMI, objectively measured physical activity, and self-efficacy, assessed at 4 months and 10 months following randomization.
Effect of POSTbiotics Supplementation on Microbiome in OBese Children: the POST-OB Study
Childhood ObesityThis study evaluates the possible effect of postbiotics supplementation, combined with interventions aimed at improving diet and lifestyle, on gut microbiota composition and metabolite production. It also wants to determine whether postbiotics supplementation, combined with interventions to improve diet and lifestyle, reduces adverse metabolic consequences together with their co-morbidities. All participants will follow a behaviour (promotion of physical activity) and dietary treatment according to Italian dietary guidelines for childhood obesity. Postbiotics and vitamin D3 will be given orally for four months; patients will be evaluated four months after supplementation and diet-lifestyle intervention and four months after the end of supplementation and after the alone diet-lifestyle intervention with blood testing and echosonography of the liver.
Teens Committed to Health Through Activity, Relationships, and Good Eating
ObesityChildhoodThis study will evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a school-based weight management program for underserved adolescents. The program was designed with a phased treatment structure to provide more intensive treatment to participants who do not respond to treatment initially. Specifically, this study aims to examine differences in zBMI over time between students who do not respond to the first semester and receive more intensive treatment in the second semester, responders to first semester who receive more intensive treatment in the second semester, non-responders to the first semester who receive usual treatment in the second semester, and responders who receive usual treatment in the second semester at the end of the second semester, 1 year follow-up, and 2 year follow-up.
Physical Activity Consultation in the Management of Adolescent Overweight
OverweightThe prevalence of pediatric obesity makes this condition a worldwide public health concern. Physical Activity (PA) is recognized as having many health benefits, many of them related to obesity and its comorbidities. Despite of all the efforts, the majority of the overweight children/adolescents still present low levels of PA and high levels of sedentary behaviors. Thus, it seems that the greatest challenge is to influence behavior change in order to increase PA exposure in this population. PA consultation can be a cost-effective way of enhancing PA and improve weight status among overweight children. The main objective of this study is to analyze if the inclusion of a PA consultation in a multidisciplinary program for the management of adolescent overweight improves body mass index (BMI) z-score, PA levels and sedentary behavior outcomes at six and twelve months, compared to those attending only the Pediatric and the Dietetic consultations. This study was designed as a non-randomized, controlled clinical trial with six months duration and follow-up at the 12th month, that will include overweight adolescents (BMI ≥ p85) aged 12 to 17, attending the Clinic for the first time, and accepted to be enrolled. Those with (i) major pathologies (other than obesity or its related comorbidities), (ii) inability to perform regular PA, (iii) mental disorders, (iv) smoking habits, (v) under any kind of prescription (other than antihypertensives or metformin), or (vi) being involved in another weight loss program will be excluded. According to the sample size calculation, we expect to recruit 129 participants that will be allocated in three groups by consecutive sampling: (i) control group - standard care (Pediatric and Dietitian consultations); (ii) intervention group I - standard care plus PA consultation; (iii) intervention group II - 2 weekly exercise sessions additionally to the standard care and PA consultations..
Brighter Bites - Access, Continuity and Education With Fruits and Vegetables
Childhood ObesityThe purpose of the research is to find out how well a new nutrition program works for elementary school students and their families. This program is called Brighter Bites. Brighter Bites is a school-based program that teaches students and their parents about the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and how to prepare them in tasty, healthy ways. This project is being carried out at six elementary schools in Houston, Texas. Up to 600 first grade students and their parents/guardians are expected to join this project.