FLEX-Brain Study – Children ages 12-17

STUDY BASICS

Is your child a healthy weight, but interested in becoming more fit? If so, your child may qualify for a research study that examines the relationship between brain function and weight. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Exercise, healthy eating, and other lifestyle behaviors are important factors in maintaining a healthy weight, and may also have a positive impact on brain health. The purpose of this research study is to better understand the relationship between brain function and weight management. Researchers will compare children who are and are not at a healthy weight, and hope their findings will lead to better weight loss interventions for children who are overweight or obese.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Ages 12-17
• Child is of healthy weight (not overweight or obese)
• Parent willing to participate with child
• Child has no history of medical conditions affecting body weight, and no heart problems
• Child has not had bariatric surgery
• Child is not claustrophobic and has no metal in his or her body (including braces)

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

The initial appointment for this study involves measurements of height and weight, a fitness evaluation, completion of assessments and questionnaires, and a brain scan (fMRI). Following the initial visit, participants will attend 11 heathy lifestyle sessions; topics covered will include exercise, healthy eating, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Sessions also include 30 minutes of supervised physical activity. Parents also have the option of participating in a parents’ healthy lifestyles sessions group. Participants will also be asked to wear a FitBit activity monitor on several occasions. A second fMRI will be completed six months after entering the study.