Overweight Australian adolescents aged 14 to 17 years are needed for a University of Queensland and Wesley Research Institute study that aims to achieve more accurate body measurement for this group.
Lead researcher and expert on nutritional assessment Dr Liz Isenring, of the School of Human Movement Studies, said the study would calibrate a particular measurement instrument that hasn’t been used in overweight adolescents before.
Data collected will enable researchers to calibrate bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy - a simple and inexpensive field technique for assessing body composition - against the current population.
“This could help reduce the misclassification of both overweight and underweight children and adolescents as well as assisting with planning and evaluating weight loss programs,” Dr Isenring said.
“Traditional nutrition measures, which include body mass index (BMI), do not necessarily reflect changes or distribution in fat and muscle mass,” she said.
Sixty participants are needed for the study. They will receive over $500 worth of body composition analysis free of charge and can choose to participate in a free exercise and nutrition weight management program.
Participation involves a four-hour session at the Wesley Research Institute, Auchenflower, where physical details will be recorded and two blood tests taken. The study will start during the September school holidays.
“We hope the outcome of this study will allow for simple, routine and accurate assessment of body composition for overweight adolescents”, Dr Isenring said.
The study is funded by ANZ Queensland Community Foundation – The Katherine Hannay Estate. The project has Queensland Government Q2 partner status, for working towards state heath targets.
It will pave the way for further research comparing group versus individual interventions for the overweight adolescent population.
Media inquiries: Marlene McKendry - 0401 99 6847 or email Dr Liz Isenring -e.isenring@uq.edu.au.
