Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Extreme Morphology and Metabolic Health

Researchers at the University of Bath are studying people with very different body sizes, including those with skeletal dysplasia (often called dwarfism). They want to understand how body size affects health, particularly how your body uses food. They're also looking into how your size might influence your physical activity and eating habits. The goal is to create better health guidelines to prevent issues like obesity in these groups. Additionally, they will explore if your mental well-being is affected by your size. Taking part involves a 24-hour visit to their lab, followed by two weeks of monitoring your daily routines.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Bath

Enrolment target

102

Start

17 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

28 Sep 2035

Skeletal Dysplasia

What is this study about?

Researchers at the University of Bath are conducting a study to better understand the health of people who have very different body sizes. This includes individuals with a condition called skeletal dysplasia, which is often known as dwarfism. The main goal is to find out how your body size might change the way your body processes food and energy. They also want to see if being very big or very small affects your eating patterns and how much you move around. By understanding these things better, they hope to create improved health advice and guidelines, especially to help prevent concerns like being overweight or obese in these groups.

The study isn't just about physical health. It will also explore whether having a particular body size has an impact on a person's mental health. This is an important part of the research, as they believe a person's physical characteristics can sometimes affect their emotional well-being. By looking at both physical and mental health, the researchers aim to get a complete picture.

Ultimately, this research matters because it could lead to more personalised and effective health recommendations for people with unique body shapes and sizes. The knowledge gained could help individuals manage their health risks better and live healthier, happier lives. It's about making sure that health advice truly fits everyone, no matter their body type.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on health for people with different body sizes, including dwarfism.
Aims to improve health advice for metabolism, activity, and eating.
Looks at both physical health and mental well-being.
Involves a 24-hour lab visit and 2 weeks of at-home normal routine monitoring.
Eligibility includes age 16+, specific body sizes, or diagnosed skeletal dysplasia.
Your participation could help others with similar body types in the future.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be 16 years old or older. You might be eligible if you have been diagnosed with any form of skeletal dysplasia, which is a condition affecting bone growth that often leads to short stature.

Even if you don't have skeletal dysplasia, you might still be able to join if you have a very large or very small body size based on specific measurements of your muscle mass. The research team will help you understand these specific requirements.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of eating disorders, or have certain bleeding disorders (important for one of the procedures). You also need to be able to speak and understand English to give your consent and take part safely. If your weight has changed by more than 3 kg (about half a stone) in the last three months, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

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 16 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with any type of skeletal dysplasia (dwarfism)?
Or, do you have a very large or very small body size (based on muscle mass measurements)?
Are you *not* pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you *not* have a history of eating disorders or certain bleeding problems?
Has your weight been stable (no more than 3kg change) in the last 3 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the first step is to sign a consent form. You'll then fill out some health questionnaires to make sure the study is right for you, including questions about your physical activity and eating habits. If you have a very large or very small body size without skeletal dysplasia, you'll have an initial screening visit at the University of Bath. This involves measuring your height, weight, and using a special scale to estimate your muscle and fat. You might also have a quick, 7-minute full-body DEXA scan, where you lie flat while it measures your body composition. The research team will then let you know if you're eligible for the main part of the study.

If you're eligible and willing, the main part of the study involves one 24-hour visit to the University of Bath's research laboratory. Before this visit, you'll be asked to eat a specific breakfast and lunch, and ideally, you'll fast for 4-5 hours before arriving around 5 PM. During your 24-hour stay, the researchers will collect various measurements and samples to understand your metabolism. After this lab visit, you'll then have a 2-week period where you'll monitor your usual physical activity and eating routines from home. The total duration of active participation, including your monitoring at home, will be around 2-3 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but the information collected could help shape better health advice for people with extreme body sizes in the future. The procedures are generally safe, but as with any medical test, there's a small risk. For example, if you have a muscle biopsy (a very small sample of muscle tissue taken), there's a minor risk of bruising or discomfort, and you'll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Your mental well-being will also be discussed, and this might bring up some personal feelings. Remember, you can ask questions at any time and are free to withdraw from the study at any point without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Bath
Verified postcode
Bath, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to understand how different body sizes, especially in people with dwarfism, affect metabolism, eating habits, physical activity, and mental health, to create better health guidelines.

What happens during the 24-hour lab visit?

You'll be asked to follow specific meal plans before arriving, and during your stay, researchers will take measurements and samples to study how your body processes food.

Will I have to stay overnight at the lab?

Yes, the study involves one 24-hour visit to the University of Bath's research laboratory.

Do I have to have dwarfism to join?

No, you might also be eligible if you have a very large or very small body size based on specific muscle mass measurements, even without skeletal dysplasia.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.