PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Miriam Hospital is recruiting normal-weight and
overweight children, ages 10 to 17 for a research study aimed at understanding
how they regulate their emotions and if that’s related to their weight or
eating behavior. The findings may help researchers create more effective
interventions for children struggling with eating and weight.
Study
participation involves two, two-hour clinic visits during which height and
weight will be measured and participants will complete questionnaires and an
interview. Participants will also be asked to view pictures while undergoing an
MRI scan. Participants cannot have serious medical conditions resulting in
appetite or weight changes or be taking medications that affect appetite or
weight, or have a current or past diagnosis of bulimia nervosa or anorexia
nervosa.
“This
study will provide important analysis on eating behaviors among overweight kids
that can be used to develop new ways to help kids whose emotions directly
impact their eating and weight,” said Caroline West, research coordinator with
the Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center at The Miriam Hospital.
Study
participants may be eligible if they are:
•
Between the ages of 10 and 17 years old;
•
Able to read and understand English
fluently;
•
Not currently pregnant;
•
Willing and able to undergo a one-hour MRI
scan
According
to research published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders, up to
30% of children and adolescents with obesity struggle with binge eating.
Negative emotions are a common trigger for binge eating, especially when kids
don’t have other coping skills for dealing with low mood.
The
study will take place at the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center and
Brown University, and recruitment is ongoing. Participants will receive
compensation for each study visit.
For
more information on the study, or to find out if you qualify, please contact
Caroline at 401-793-8283 or caroline.west@lifespan.org.