The objective of this study is to analyse the association between stress and obesity in childhood. We hypothesize that obese children have higher levels of stress than normal weight controls. The key objective is to study differences in the area un…
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
Obesitas
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Area under the curve - salivary cortisol
Secondary outcome
Not applicable
Background summary
Our society has seen major structural changes in the last 20 years such as
technological advancements. These changes have been affecting working patterns,
social networks, and family structures. As a result of this, levels of stress
have increased in society. Recently a third of children in a general population
study were found to experience increased stress. Psychological stress is
communicated to the body by activation of the physical stress system, with
elevation of the stress hormone (cortisol) as a key mediator. Extended periods
of elevated cortisol (such as in diseases like Cushing syndrome) or
pharmacologic treatment with synthetic cortisol (like prednisone) lead to
obesity, and its metabolic sequelae.
Recent studies provide evidence for the relationship between chronic stress and
obesity in monkeys and human adults. No studies have been performed in children
yet.
Study objective
The objective of this study is to analyse the association between stress and
obesity in childhood. We hypothesize that obese children have higher levels of
stress than normal weight controls. The key objective is to study differences
in the area un der the curve of salivary cortisol in obese children as compared
to normal weight controls.
Study design
In this pilot study, 50 obese children and 50 normal weight controls in the age
range 8-12 years will be enrolled after informed consent. Obesity is defined
as> +2.3 BMI SDS on the curve according to the guidelines of the World Health
Organization. The controls must have a BMI SDS <+1.1. Exclusion criteria are
presence of a chronic disease, use of corticosteroids or beta-blockers. Data on
basic characteristics and anthropometric parameters will be collected.
Participants will complete questionnaires about stress perception, coping,
reward sensitivity, food craving and eating behaviour. Cortisol level in a
small sample of hair, cut from the back of the head (about 100 hairs) will be
obtained as a marker for chronic stress. Daily stress will be measured using
salivary cortisol; six salivary samples are obtained on 1 day. Salivary
sampling will be performed at home after detailed instructions. The saliva
samples will be sent to the laboratory by mail.
Study burden and risks
There are no risks associated with participation in this study.
This study has a low burden, only time investment. In this study only patient-
and childfriendly investigations are used.
Dr. Molewaterplein 60
3015 GJ Rotterdam
NL
Dr. Molewaterplein 60
3015 GJ Rotterdam
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
Obese: obesity is defined as >+2.3 BMI-SDS on the curve according to the World Health Organization guidelines.
Age 8-12 years.;Controls should have a normal weight, defined as <+1.1 BMI-SDS on the curve, and will be age- and sexmatched.
Exclusion criteria
Presence of a chronic disease
Use of cortisteroids
Use of beta-blockers
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL34093.101.10 |