Genetic Test Feedback with Weight Control Advice: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Overview

Journal Trials

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties General Medicine
Pharmacology

Date 2012 Dec 11

PMID 23216922

Citations 6

Authors

Susanne F Meisel

Rebecca J Beeken

Cornelia H M van Jaarsveld

Jane Wardle

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Genetic testing for risk of weight gain is already available over the internet despite uncertain benefits and concerns about adverse emotional or behavioral effects. Few studies have assessed the effect of adding genetic test feedback to weight control advice, even though one of the proposed applications of genetic testing is to stimulate preventive action. This study will investigate the motivational effect of adding genetic test feedback to simple weight control advice in a situation where weight gain is relatively common.

Methods/design: First-year university students (n = 800) will be randomized to receive either 1) their personal genetic test result for a gene (FTO) related to weight gain susceptibility in addition to a leaflet with simple weight control advice ('Feedback + Advice' group, FA), or 2) only the leaflet containing simple weight control advice ('Advice Only' group, AO).Motivation to avoid weight gain and active use of weight control strategies will be assessed one month after receipt of the leaflet with or without genetic test feedback. Weight and body fat will be measured at baseline and eight months follow-up. We will also assess short-term psychological reactions to the genetic test result. In addition, we will explore interactions between feedback condition and gene test status.

Discussion: We hope to provide a first indication of the clinical utility of weight-related genetic test feedback in the prevention context.

Trial Registration: Current controlled trials ISRCTN91178663.

Citing Articles

Does personalised nutrition advice based on apolipoprotein E and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genotype affect dietary behaviour?.

King A, Saifi S, Smith J, Pilic L, Graham C, Da Silva Anastacio V Nutr Health. 2021; 28(3):467-476.

PMID: 34817242 PMC: 9379385. DOI: 10.1177/02601060211032882.

Applied Interventions in the Prevention and Treatment of Obesity Through the Research of Professor Jane Wardle.

Croker H, Beeken R Curr Obes Rep. 2017; 6(1):57-62.

PMID: 28265868 PMC: 5359372. DOI: 10.1007/s13679-017-0249-8.

A randomized trial Examining The Impact Of Communicating Genetic And Lifestyle Risks For Obesity.

Wang C, Gordon E, Norkunas T, Wawak L, Liu C, Winter M Obesity (Silver Spring). 2016; 24(12):2481-2490.

PMID: 27891830 PMC: 5127396. DOI: 10.1002/oby.21661.

The impact of communicating genetic risks of disease on risk-reducing health behaviour: systematic review with meta-analysis.

Hollands G, French D, Griffin S, Prevost A, Sutton S, King S BMJ. 2016; 352:i1102.

PMID: 26979548 PMC: 4793156. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.i1102.

Genetic susceptibility testing and readiness to control weight: Results from a randomized controlled trial.

Meisel S, Beeken R, van Jaarsveld C, Wardle J Obesity (Silver Spring). 2014; 23(2):305-12.

PMID: 25522302 PMC: 4361051. DOI: 10.1002/oby.20958.

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