Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Postprandial Thermogenesis in Obese Adolescents: Effect of Weight Loss

This research is investigating how our bodies use energy after we eat, a process known as 'dietary thermogenesis'. It's particularly focused on teenagers aged 11 to 17 who are overweight or obese. While most studies look at how much energy we burn at rest or during exercise, this study highlights that about 10% of our daily energy comes from burning food. The goal is to understand if this process is different in teenagers with obesity and how it changes if they lose weight. By understanding these energy differences, scientists hope to find better ways to help young people manage their weight and improve their health.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Emile Roux

Enrolment target

Start

28 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2029

Obesity & Overweight

What is this study about?

When we eat, our bodies don't just store the food; they also use some energy to digest, absorb, and process the nutrients. This process is called 'dietary thermogenesis', and it makes up about 10% of the total calories we burn each day. Think of it like a car engine – it uses some fuel to just run, not just to move forward. This study is specially focused on teenagers between 11 and 17 years old who are overweight or obese.

Researchers are interested in finding out if this 'dietary thermogenesis' works differently in teenagers who are overweight or obese compared to those of a healthy weight. Some past studies have suggested that people with obesity might burn less energy after eating, while others haven't seen a difference. Because there's no clear answer yet, this study aims to shed more light on the subject. Understanding these differences could be really important for developing better strategies to help young people manage and prevent obesity.

Another key part of this study is to see what happens to this energy-burning process if a teenager with obesity loses weight. Do their bodies start to burn more energy after meals, closer to what someone of a healthy weight would? By comparing how bodies use energy before and after weight loss, the scientists hope to gather valuable information that could lead to new ways of thinking about weight management and overall health for young people.

Key takeaways

This study explores how bodies burn calories after eating in overweight/obese teenagers.
It aims to understand if this process is different in teenagers with obesity.
Researchers will also look at how weight loss impacts this calorie-burning process.
The findings could help develop better strategies for managing childhood obesity.
Participation involves body measurements, body composition checks, and food preference questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a teenager aged between 11 and 17. If you have obesity, as defined by a specific health measurement (Quételet index), you might be able to join one group. There will also be a group of teenagers who are a healthy weight, also within the same age range and measurement criteria.

There are also some important things that would mean you couldn't take part. For example, if you smoke or drink regularly, have certain medical conditions like diabetes or heart problems, or if you've had surgery recently, you wouldn't be able to join. You also can't be pregnant or breastfeeding, or already on a special diet or weight loss programme.

It's very important that you and your parents or guardians agree to take part, and you must be covered by a social security system or similar. The researchers want to make sure the study results are clear, so they need to exclude people whose health or lifestyle might affect the findings.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 11 and 17 years old?
Are you either overweight/obese or of a healthy weight?
Do you not smoke or drink regularly?
Are you not currently on a special diet or active weight loss programme?
Do you not have diabetes or certain heart conditions?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The information provided does not detail the specific visits, assessments, medication, or direct participation requirements for this study, such as the exact number of visits, their duration, or specific interventions beyond measurements. It mentions "Anthropometric measurements" (like height and weight), "Body composition assessment" (to understand fat and muscle), and a "Leeds Foods Preference Questionnaire" (to understand food choices). The study aims to look at these measurements before and after weight loss in some participants. The total duration of the study for each participant is not specified in the information provided.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies can offer the benefit of contributing to scientific knowledge, which may lead to better understanding and treatment of obesity in young people in the future. While the specific risks of the measurements are not detailed, they are generally considered low-risk procedures involved in standard medical assessments. You will always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Laboratoire AME2P, Université Clermont Auvergne
Verified postcode
Aubière, France

Common questions

What does 'postprandial thermogenesis' mean?

It's a fancy way of saying how your body burns calories to digest and process food after you've eaten a meal.

Why is this study focusing on teenagers?

Researchers want to better understand how energy is used in young people, especially those who are overweight or obese, to help find better ways to support their health.

Will I have to lose weight if I join the study?

The study aims to observe changes after weight loss in some participants, but it doesn't state that participants will be put on a diet or weight loss program as part of the study itself. This would be something to clarify with the research team.

What kind of tests will be done?

The study mentions taking body measurements (like height and weight), checking body composition (muscle and fat), and asking about food preferences using a questionnaire.

Are there any side effects from taking part?

The study details do not list specific side effects. The assessments mentioned (measurements, body composition, questionnaire) are generally considered safe and non-invasive, but you should always discuss any concerns with the study team.

How to find out more

David THIVEL

david.thivel@uca.fr 04 73 40 76 79 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.