Tracking Adolescent Choice Over Eating (TACOE)

This project will begin to study how adolescents' eating autonomy might be related to their health (diabetes risk, weight status, and diet quality). We will also look at how parents and others help teens to build these skills. Both teen- and adult-involved community advisory boards will help pinpoint which adolescent eating factors and skills should be prioritized to support teen health.

Principal Investigator(s)

Amanda M Ziegler, PhD, MPH, BSN (Department of Family Medicine, University at Buffalo)

UB Researcher(s)

Katherine Balantekin, PhD (Collaborator/Mentor; Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences)
Leonard Epstein, PhD (Collaborator/Mentor; Department of Pediatrics)
Lucy Mastrandrea, MD, PhD (Collaborator/Mentor; Department of Pediatrics)
Jennifer Temple, PhD (Collaborator/Mentor; Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences)
Laurene Tumiel-Berhalter, PhD (Co-Investigator, Department of Family Medicine)
Teresa Quattrin, MD (Collaborator/Mentor; Department of Pediatrics)

Funding Source(s) and Dates

American Diabetes Association (ADA) - [7/1/2024 - 6/30/2027]

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical developmental period for establishing adult eating behaviors and healthy self-regulation, marked by increased autonomy, or independence, over eating behaviors with age. This study is among the first to examine autonomy in eating behaviors and risks for other negative health outcomes (including Type 2 Diabetes). The purpose of this project is to: 1) identify areas of eating autonomy related to prediabetes risk; and 2) track how/how often adolescents’ independent eating behaviors and skills are being supported vs. controlled by parents (and other sources) and whether this is related to their dietary intake or their overall prediabetes risk. This study design uses 1 community-based appointment and several weeks of online surveys delivered via text massage to learn more about teens aged 13-17 who live in Buffalo and have a family history of Type 2 Diabetes. This work will provide valuable information on how best to focus effective lifestyle interventions and parenting strategies for teens at highest risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Project Status

Active