Tracking Changes in Food Preferences, Activity, and Obesity Risk in Children Aged 8 to 11

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how childrens food preferences, physical activity, and decision-making develop over time and how these behaviors relate to body weight and health. This observational study focuses on children aged 8.5 to 11 years, aiming to understand how the development of food and activity reinforcement and delay discounting may contribute to childhood obesity between ages 9 and 14. Two groups of children are followed over three years one enrolled at ages 8.5 to 9 years 11 months, and another at ages 10.5 to 11 years 11 months. The study tracks changes in these behaviors and their impact on weight and health without assigning any treatments or interventions. Participants will be evaluated at the start and then at 12, 24, and 36 months for measures including standardized body mass index zBMI, body fat, and percent change over the overweight BMI. The study collects data on activity and food reinforcement and delay discounting. Families can expect regular assessments over the three-year period to monitor these changes and understand developmental trajectories related to obesity.

Developmental Trajectories of Reinforcer Pathology and Childhood Obesity