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Energy Balance Study seeks participants for final phase
March 26, 2012
Is it too many calories? Or not enough activity?
Researchers want to know: Why are Americans gaining weight?
The Energy Balance Study by researchers at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health is seeking to find out why some Americans gain weight and others lose weight. The study, which began last year and has about 300 people enrolled, is seeking approximately 100 healthy men and women for the final phase. Females age 28 to 35 and males age 21 to 35 are sought as participants. The study is what the researchers call observational; participants will not be asked to go on a diet or do a certain amount of exercise. Instead, the study staff will observe what individuals do in their normal life as they work, play, and spend time with family and friends.
The study is needed: A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that 12 states, including South Carolina, have obesity rates above 30 percent.
As part of the study the researchers will be taking very detailed measurements of how many calories people eat and how many calories people burn at various points over the year. In addition, they will take very precise measurements of body weight, body composition (percent body muscle, percent body fat), resting metabolic rate, and fitness levels. Participants will receive this information at the end of the study in the form of a counseling session with trained study staff and tailored to meet their lifestyle goals. Financial compensation will also be provided.
To learn more, visit http://energybalance.sc.edu or check out the Energy Balance Study on Facebook.
The Energy Balance Study is funded by a three-year, $2.5 million grant from Coca-Cola.
