NCT05073185 · Penn State University
Resilience to the Effects of Advertising in Children
(REACH)
What this study is about
Strong empirical evidence shows food marketing promotes excess energy intake and obesity. Yet, not all children are susceptible to its effects and this variability is poorly understood.
View original scientific description
Strong empirical evidence shows food marketing promotes excess energy intake and obesity. Yet, not all children are susceptible to its effects and this variability is poorly understood. Identifying sources of this variability is a public health priority not only because it may elucidate characteristics of children who are most susceptible, but also because it may highlight novel sources of resiliency to overconsumption. The proposed research will use state-of-the art, data-driven approaches to identify neural, cognitive and behavioral phenotypes associated with resiliency to food-cue (i.e. food advertisement) induced overeating and determine whether these phenotypes protect children from weight gain during the critical pre-adolescent period.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- In order to be enrolled, children must be of good health based on parental self-report.
- Have no learning disabilities (e.g., ADHD).
- Have no allergies to the foods or ingredients used in the study.
- Not be claustrophobic.
- Not be taking any medications known to influence body weight, taste, food intake, behavior, or blood flow.
- Be 7-9 years-old at enrollment.
- The child must speak English. Parent Inclusion Criteria:
- The parent who has the most knowledge of the child's eating behavior, media access, sleep and behavior must be available to attend the visits with their child. This would be decided among the parents.
- The biological mother must have a body mass index either between 18.5 - 25 kg/m2 (low-risk group) or greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (high-risk group). One parent can report on both parents' BW and height.
Exclusion criteria
- Children would be excluded if:
- They are not within the age requirements (\< than 7 years old or \> than 9 years-old at baseline).
- If they are taking cold or allergy medication, or other medications known to influence cognitive function, taste, appetite, or blood flow.
- If they don't speak English.
- If they are colorblind
- If they report being claustrophobic.
- if they have a learning disability, ADD/ADHD, language delays, autism or other neurological or psychological conditions.
- if they have a pre-existing medical condition such as type I or type II diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Cushing's syndrome, Down's syndrome, food allergies, severe lactose intolerance, Prader-Willi syndrome, HIV, cancer, renal failure, or cerebral palsy.
- if they are allergic to foods or ingredients used in the study.
- if they have tattoos, permanent makeup, dental ware, pacemakers, or metal implants that would preclude safe completion of the MRI.
- if the child has had an X-ray in the month prior to Visits 1 and 6. If so, they will be scheduled at a later date. Parent Exclusion Criteria:
- if the biological mother has a body mass index \< 18.5 kg/m2
- if the mother is between 25-30 kg/m2.
- if the parent is unable to attend the study visits
- if the family reports plans to move away from the area in the next year.
Where
- University Park, Pennsylvania
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 20, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations