Acute Effects of Sedentary Behaviors on Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents (H-47575)

Impact of Sedentary Behaviors on Cardiometabolic Health in Youth with Obesity

Spending long periods of time in sedentary behaviors or sitting for long periods of time contributes to rising rates of obesity among youth. However, only a few studies have examined the health impact of engaging in sedentary behaviors in adolescents.

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of sedentary behaviors on cardiometabolic health in youth with obesity. Results from this study will inform future behavioral interventions aimed at reducing sedentariness to reduce disease risk in adolescents.

Novel Measures: This study uses a measure called Whole-Room Calorimetry, the most powerful research tool for measuring the detailed time course of human energy expenditure or metabolism in a natural, unrestrained setting. Baylor College of Medicine is home to one of the few whole-room pediatric calorimeters in the country. Inside the room, participants will be asked to sit back and watch a movie, read, or do activities like crossword puzzles.
Participants will be paid $140 for their one-day visit to the Children’s Nutrition Research Center at BCM.

If you are between the ages of 14 and 16 or the parent/legal guardian of an adolescent between the ages of 14 and 16 you might be able to participate in this study.

If you are interested in learning more about this study, please send us your contact information by filling out the form below, or call 713-798-7067.

Latino adolescents (14-16 years) are disproportionately impacted by obesity compared to the general population (25.8% vs 18.5%) and are at an increased risk for obesity-related metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. These disparities are due in part to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors like excessive time spent in sedentary behaviors (i.e. sitting, screen time). Youth with obesity spend an estimated 65-75% of their day in sedentary pursuits. In adults, sedentary behaviors are associated with adverse metabolic profiles.

However, evidence on the association between objective sedentary behaviors and cardiometabolic disease risk factors in youth remains inconclusive. This is due in part to the lack of controlled studies with rigorous measures of sedentary behaviors or metabolic outcomes.

To address these gaps, the goal of this study is to utilize whole-room calorimetry to examine the effects of an acute bout of sedentary behaviors on cardiometabolic outcomes (glucose, insulin, lipids, arterial stiffness) and energy metabolism (energy expenditure, substrate utilization) in Latino adolescents (12-16 years old) with obesity (BMI% ≥95th) as compared to non-Latino white adolescents (12-16 years old) with obesity.

See a listing of all Children's Nutrition Research Center related clinical trials.