Grant: Operating Grant

Obesity among children has increased dramatically in the past 15 years. Obesity in childhood predicts obesity and chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabletes in adulthood. A vulnerable time in the setting of systems controlling appetite and eating behaviours and risk of obesity is during the ages of 8-14 when many physiological and social factors impact on the development of eating behavour and appetite control. The goal of this research is to understand the physiological and environmental forces that contribute to a life-long habit of overeating. The subjects will be 8-14 year old normal weight, over weight and obese boys and girls. Their food intake at test meals will be measured after exercise, TV watching, stress, protein and sugar drinks and other beverages, foods/snacks and at different stages of puberty. The application of results will lead to evidence-based policies for improving food environment for children.