Actively Recruiting
Early Brain Development and Child Nutrition and Obesity Study on Childhood Obesity Risk
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-05-07
210
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
J
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating why some children develop obesity by studying eating behaviors, genetic and environmental factors, and brain development. This project, RESONATE, extends a larger study called RESONANCE and focuses on children aged 7 to 12 years. The goal is to understand how early brain development and appetite-related behaviors contribute to obesity risk during middle childhood, a critical time for long-term metabolic health. The study involves a single group of participants who undergo various assessments including meal tests, behavioral tasks, and functional MRI scans. These tests measure food intake, responses to food-related cues, cognitive control, and brain activity related to appetite. Data collected will also include measures of weight and body fat to examine how brain function and behavior relate to obesity development. Participants will take part in tests such as eating from a buffet meal, snack intake when not hungry, and MRI tasks that observe brain responses to food and control stimuli. Researchers will track calorie consumption, body mass index, reward responses, and cognitive control during these activities. The study aims to link these findings with early-life risk factors to better understand obesity mechanisms, supporting the future creation of targeted preventive interventions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain and Behavior Influences on Obesity Development From Infancy Through Childhood
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participants must be from the RESONANCE cohort
- Participants must be between 7 and 12 years old during the study period
- Participants must have no food allergies
You will not qualify if you...
- In utero exposure to alcohol, cigarettes, or illicit substances
- First trimester fetal ultrasound abnormalities
- Complicated pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia
- Complicated delivery including APGAR scores less than 8 or neonatal intensive care unit admission
- History of neurological disorders like epilepsy
- History of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or depression requiring medication
- History of developmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder or dyslexia
- Contraindications for MRI such as metal in the body or claustrophobia
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 day
Participants undergo tests including fMRI tasks and meal tests to assess brain function, eating behavior, and weight.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to several years until study completion
Participants' brain development, appetitive behaviors, and obesity risk factors are observed over time to understand their impact on obesity development.
Follow-up visits timing may vary depending on study schedule
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Inc.
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21205
Active, Not Recruiting
2
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21287
Active, Not Recruiting
3
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, Rhode Island, United States, 02903
Actively Recruiting
4
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States, 98109
Active, Not Recruiting
Research Team
S
Susan Carnell, PhD
V
Viren D'Sa, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here