Nationwide Study Measuring Total Energy Use and Health Factors in Healthy Chinese Children and Adults Using the Doubly Labelled Water Method

What this Trial Is About

Obesity rates have more than doubled worldwide between 1990 and 2022, becoming a serious public health issue. In China, over half of adults and more than a quarter of children aged 6 to 17 are overweight or obese. Obesity impacts health across life stages, affecting childrens growth and development and increasing adult risks for diseases like diabetes, heart conditions, and certain cancers. This research aims to better understand energy use in healthy children and adults in China to inform strategies addressing obesity. The study will recruit healthy children aged 7 to 18 and adults aged 30 to 60 to measure their total energy expenditure TEE using the gold-standard doubly labelled water method. Alongside TEE, researchers will assess physical measurements like height, weight, waist and hip circumference, blood pressure, body composition, and bone density. Participants will also undergo blood tests, gut microbiota analysis, questionnaires on diet and activity, and wear devices monitoring physical activity and environmental temperature for two weeks. Participants will have detailed assessments including anthropometric measures, blood biochemistry, and metabolic rates. Physical activity and ambient temperature exposure will be tracked using accelerometers and sensors. Children will have additional tests like grip strength and skin carotenoid levels. The study will gather comprehensive data over varying timeframes, from minutes for physical measures to 14 days for energy expenditure and activity monitoring. This information will help develop accurate dietary guidelines and support public health efforts to improve metabolic health in China.

Total Energy Expenditure in Healthy Chinese Populations: A Nationwide Study Using the Doubly Labelled Water Method