Sweet Taste Responsiveness in Relation to Insulin, Leptin and Adiposity Among Obese Treatment Seeking Children

State University of New York at Buffalo

Overview

This study will explore whether a relationship exists between insulin and leptin resistance, sweet taste responsiveness, and adiposity.

Compared to healthy weight peers, some reports have shown that they are less sensitive to, or perceptive of, sucrose solutions and sweet foods, whereas others have observed the opposite pattern of findings or no difference at all. Among those seeking weight loss treatment, one investigation found perception and preferences for sweet taste remained unchanged after weight loss, and another observed a decreased ability to distinguish sweet taste from other taste solutions. Given these discrepancies in the literature, the proposed study will explore whether a relationship exists between insulin and leptin resistance, sweet taste responsiveness, and adiposity.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

NONE

Conditions

Pediatric Obesity

Interventions

Serum insulin levelDIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Measure levels before and after weight loss related to bariatric surgery

Serum Leptin testDIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Measure levels before and after weight loss related to lifestyle change weight loss

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 8 YearsMax age: 14 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient of Children's Healthy Weigh of Buffalo * ages of 8-14 If enrolled in the bariatric arm: • must be scheduled for bariatric surgery prior to enrollment Exclusion Criteria: * Patients unable to get labs drawn at a Kaleida facility * Severe hay fever or seasonal allergies within 2 weeks of enrollment * smoker or are exposed to second-hand smoke at home, * has been dieting to lose weight within the past 6 months of enrollment * currently taking any prescription medications that can influence taste or small functions or are pregnant. * pregnancy * Bariatric arm patients will be excluded if they fail to have the surgery.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Higher insulin and leptin levels will be associated with lower sweet taste sensitivity and perception, and higher body fat percentage and z-BMI

insulin and leptin levels will be measured at various time points in an attempt to identify if there is a change is taste senses associated with specific variables be associated with lower sweet taste

Time frame: to be measured at 6 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.