Evaluation of the correlation between diet quality, weight status, and mental health in schoolchildren, with an emphasis on the identification of plasma biomarkers.

ISRCTN ISRCTN12172320
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12172320
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) Nil known
Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) Nil known
Protocol serial number Nil known
Sponsor Tecnológico de Monterrey
Funder Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
Submission date
09/03/2025
Registration date
12/03/2025
Last edited
10/06/2025
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
Obesity and mental health issues are growing concerns in children worldwide. Poor diet and excess weight can affect a child’s physical and mental well-being. However, it’s not always easy to tell when a child’s weight and diet might lead to problems later on. Many children with excess body fat are not diagnosed with obesity because their BMI may appear normal. This study will help us better understand these connections, particularly by identifying children who may be at risk despite having a normal BMI. This study aims to explore how children's diet quality, weight, and mental health are connected.

Who can participate?
Children aged 6-11 years old who attend school and have parental consent.

What does the study involve?
The study will involve a one-time evaluation where the InBody device will be used to measure body composition (including fat and muscle mass). The study will also use questionnaires to assess the children's mental health and gather information about their diet. Finally, a blood sample will be collected to check for plasma biomarkers that can give us further insight into their metabolic and inflammatory health.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The main goal of this study is to identify early signs of potential health problems related to diet, weight, and mental health. Understanding these connections better will help prevent obesity and related conditions in children. This research will contribute to improving children's health and well-being.

Participation in this study has minimal risks, including slight discomfort during blood sampling and potential emotional discomfort when responding to mental health questionnaires. All materials, including questionnaires and consent forms, are provided in Spanish. Participants will receive professional support if needed, and confidentiality is strictly maintained.

Where is the study run from?
The Institute for Obesity Research at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
May 2024 to September 2025

Who is funding the study?
The Institute for Obesity Research at Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico

Who is the main contact?
Dr Cipatli Ayuzo (Principal Investigator), cipatli@tecsalud.mx

Contact information

Prof Norma Cipatli Ayuzo Del Valle
Public, Scientific, Principal investigator

Tecnológico de Monterrey
Batallon De San Patricio 1112
San Pedro Garza García
66440
Mexico

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0002-8110-3532
Phone +528181850805
Email cipatli@tecsalud.mx
Dr Perla Perez-Trevino
Scientific

Tecnológico de Monterrey
Batallon De San Patricio 1112
San Pedro
66440
Mexico

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0002-0076-5738
Phone +528182533814
Email perla.perez.trevino@tec.mx

Study information

Primary study designObservational
Study designNon-interventional single-center cross-sectional study
Secondary study designCross sectional study
Study type Participant information sheet
Scientific titleEvaluating the new 2025 obesity classification framework in pediatric athletes: a comparative study with traditional BMI-based classification
Study objectivesThe 2025 obesity classification provides a more accurate assessment of pediatric obesity by distinguishing excess adiposity from muscle mass. This new approach will improve the identification of children at risk for metabolic complications, including those with a normal BMI but excess body fat, allowing for earlier intervention and targeted management strategies.
Ethics approval(s)

1. Approved 24/05/2024, Ethics Committee of the Hospital la Mision (Ave Hospital 112, Monterrey, 64718, Mexico; +52 8114924050; investigacion@hospitallamision.com), ref: HZHRMA-te01-001

2. Approved 30/05/2024, Hospital Zambrano (Batallon De San Patricio 1112, San Pedro, 66440, Mexico; +528188880000; gdejesus@tec.mx), ref: hzhrma-te01-001

Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedEvaluation of nutritional status in Mexican children
InterventionThis non-interventional single-center cross-sectional study will evaluate the correlation between diet quality, weight status, and mental health in schoolchildren. Participants will undergo a single assessment, including dietary intake analysis, anthropometric measurements, and mental health screening. Additionally, plasma biomarkers related to metabolic and inflammatory status will be analyzed. Statistical analyses will explore associations between these variables to identify potential risk factors and early indicators of health outcomes.
Intervention typeMixed
Primary outcome measure(s)

Diet quality and weight status (including excess adiposity and BMI) in schoolchildren measured using the InBody device, which uses bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at one timepoint

Key secondary outcome measure(s)

1. Diet quality measured using the Children’s Diet Quality Questionnaire (Cuestionario de Calidad de la Dieta en Niños, validated in Spanish) at baseline.
2. Mental health measured using the Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión en Niños) at one timepoint
3. Plasma biomarkers associated with metabolic and inflammatory processes measured using ELISA and targeted metabolomic assays (LC-MS/MS and NMR) in blood at baseline.

Completion date04/09/2025

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Healthy volunteer
Age groupChild
Lower age limit5 Years
Upper age limit11 Years
SexAll
Target sample size at registration120
Total final enrolment111
Key inclusion criteria1. Schoolchildren aged 6-11 years
2. Parental/guardian consent for participation
3. Ability to follow study procedures, including completing questionnaires and undergoing assessments
4. Willingness to provide a blood sample for plasma biomarker analysis
Key exclusion criteria1. Current chronic medical conditions that could affect weight, diet, or mental health (e.g., diabetes, psychiatric disorders, metabolic conditions)
2. Use of medications or supplements that may significantly alter metabolic or mental health status
Date of first enrolment04/09/2024
Date of final enrolment04/12/2024

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Mexico

Study participating centre

Hospital Zambrano Hellion
Batallon De Sa Patricio 1112
San Pedro
66440
Mexico

Results and Publications

Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareYes
IPD sharing plan summaryPublished as a supplement to the results publication
IPD sharing planThe study will use RedCap for secure data collection and management, ensuring participant confidentiality. Individual participant data will not be shared publicly or with third parties without explicit consent, except in cases required by law or ethical review. De-identified data may be shared with other researchers upon request, in accordance with institutional guidelines and ethical standards, and only for research purposes related to obesity, nutrition, or mental health. Any data sharing will be done through secure platforms, ensuring privacy and data protection.

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article 22/05/2025 27/05/2025 Yes No
Results article 22/05/2025 10/06/2025 Yes No
Participant information sheet Participant information sheet 11/11/2025 11/11/2025 No Yes
Protocol file version 1 12/04/2024 12/03/2025 No No
Protocol file 12/03/2025 No No

Additional files

46970_Investigator Brochure for the TecMind01 Protocol_v1_12April2024.pdf
Protocol file
46970_Protocol.pdf
Protocol file

Editorial Notes

10/06/2025: Publication reference added.
27/05/2025: Publication reference added.
13/03/2025: Internal review.
12/03/2025: Study's existence confirmed by the Ethics Committee of the Hospital la Mision.