Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Obesity Intervention "Obeldicks" for Obese Children, Adolescents and Their Parents

The "Obeldicks" study is testing a 12-month programme designed for children and teenagers aged 6 to 18 who are living with obesity. The programme is tailored for different ages and genders and uses a mix of healthy eating advice, support for making positive behaviour changes, and exercise activities. Researchers want to see how well this programme helps young people manage their weight. They will also look at how it affects other important health markers, like heart health indicators and certain hormone levels, both before and after the programme. The aim is to understand more about obesity and how best to help young people stay healthy.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Witten/Herdecke

Enrolment target

4,000

Start

01 Jul 1999

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2030

Obesity

What is this study about?

This research study is looking at a special 12-month programme called "Obeldicks." It's designed to help children and teenagers between the ages of 6 and 18 who are very overweight. The programme focuses on three main areas: learning about healthy food choices, getting support to make positive changes in daily habits, and taking part in regular exercise. The researchers want to find out how effective this programme is in helping young people improve their weight and overall health.

During the study, the team will closely follow participants to see how their weight changes. They will also measure other important health signs before the programme starts and again when it finishes. This includes things that give clues about heart health and levels of certain hormones in the body. By looking at these changes, the researchers hope to understand more about whether these health signs are a cause of being overweight or a result of it.

They will also do some genetic tests. This is to see if there are any genetic clues that might help predict who might benefit most from the programme. Ultimately, the goal is to improve how we help children and teenagers manage their weight and lead healthier lives.

Key takeaways

Study tests a 12-month healthy lifestyle programme for overweight young people.
Focuses on nutrition, behaviour support, and exercise.
Aimed at children and teenagers aged 6-18.
Researchers will check weight changes and other health markers.
Participation will involve programme activities and health assessments.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, children and teenagers generally need to be between 6 and 18 years old. A key requirement is that a doctor has identified them as being very overweight for their age and gender. This is based on a measurement called BMI, which compares weight to height.

However, not everyone will be able to take part. Children or teenagers who have certain known mental health conditions would not be able to join. Also, if they have certain hormone problems that affect their weight, they won't be suitable for this particular study, as it could make it difficult to see the true effects of the programme being tested.

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 6 and 18 years old?
Has a doctor told you that you are very overweight?
Do you have any mental health conditions?
Do you have any known hormone problems that affect your weight?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your child decide to take part in this study, the programme itself will last for 12 months. During this time, you'll be involved in nutrition courses, behaviour support sessions, and exercise activities. Before the programme starts and again after it finishes, there will be assessments to measure weight, look at heart health indicators, and check hormone levels through blood samples. There's no specific medication involved as part of this study. The total duration of your involvement, including all assessments, will be a little over 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this programme could offer benefits by helping young people learn healthier eating habits, become more active, and develop positive behaviours for managing their weight. There are no known major risks directly from the programme itself, as it involves healthy lifestyle changes. However, there might be slight discomfort from blood tests. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Vestische Children´s Hospital
Verified postcode
Datteln, Germany

Common questions

What is the "Obeldicks" programme?

It's a 12-month programme for overweight children and teenagers, focusing on healthy eating, behaviour support, and exercise.

Who can join the study?

Children and teenagers aged 6-18 who are identified as very overweight, without certain mental health or hormone conditions.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll take part in healthy lifestyle activities, and have assessments before and after the 12-month programme to check your health.

Are there any medicines involved?

No, this study does not involve taking any specific medications.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.