Weight loss trial for teens at Children's Hospital, Westmead
Food for thought: one in four Australian adolescents are overweight or obese
The Fast Track to Health study will recruit 200 teens and compare a reduced-calorie eating plan with an intermittent fast style eating plan. The study also seeks to uncover dietary patterns that keep weight off long term.
“Modified alternate-day fasting has shown success in adults and this study aims to test whether a similar diet will work among adolescents,” said the University of Sydney’s Professor Louise Baur.
We are looking for young people above a healthy weight range who are interested in improving their health to take part in this 12-month program.
“We are looking for young people above a healthy weight range who are interested in improving their health to take part in this 12-month program.”
Young people participating in the study will attend The Children’s Hospital at Westmead several times over the year-long trial.
Participants can withdraw from the study at any time and will be assessed by clinicians and researchers to assess their eligibility before starting the trial.
One in four Australian adolescents are overweight or obese and while short-term weight loss programs have shown success, keeping weight off in the longer term is more difficult.
Obesity in later life is linked with a range of health issues, including insulin resistance, orthopaedic disorders, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.
Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Fast Track to Health study is led by trained and accredited study personnel.
The trial is classified as low risk with no invasive procedures or drug therapy involved.
