Family Patterns in Resting Metabolic Rate Between Parents and Adult Children
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Resting Metabolic Rate, Metabolism Disorders. Basic parameters: 18 years — 60 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Israel
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Familial Determinants of Resting Metabolic Rate: A Parent-Adult Child Comparative Study
Overview
This study examines whether resting metabolic rate (RMR)-the amount of energy the body uses at rest-is similar between biological parents and their adult children (aged 18 years and older). RMR is the largest component of daily energy expenditure and plays an important role in body weight regulation and overall metabolic health. Participants from the same family will undergo a single testing session in a metabolic laboratory. RMR will be measured using indirect calorimetry under standardized conditions, along with body composition assessment and basic health information. The primary goal is to determine whether RMR is correlated within families. The study will also assess whether these similarities remain after accounting for differences in body composition, age, and sex. This observational study will help improve understanding of how metabolism varies between individuals and the extent to which these differences may be influenced by familial or inherited factors. Findings may contribute to future research on personalized nutrition, obesity risk, and metabolic health.
Detailed description
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) represents the largest component of total daily energy expenditure and is a key determinant of energy balance, weight regulation, and metabolic health. While factors such as fat-free mass, fat mass, age, and sex explain a substantial portion of interindividual variability in RMR, evidence from family and genetic studies suggests a significant hereditary component.
Classic family-based studies have reported moderate parent-offspring correlations in RMR, with heritability estimates ranging from approximately 30% to 50%. More recent genetic and epidemiological research supports these findings, indicating that a meaningful proportion of variability in metabolic rate is influenced by genetic and familial factors. However, most direct parent-child calorimetry studies were conducted decades ago, and contemporary data using standardized methodologies in adult populations remain limited.
This study is designed as a cross-sectional observational family study to evaluate the relationship between RMR in biological parents and their adult children (≥18 years). Studying adult offspring is important because metabolic rate stabilizes after growth and development, allowing for more accurate assessment of underlying physiological and familial patterns.
Participants will include families consisting of one or both biological parents (aged 40-60 years) and at least one adult child. All participants will undergo RMR measurement using a validated indirect calorimetry system under standardized laboratory conditions, including overnight fasting, avoidance of recent exercise, and controlled environmental conditions. Body composition (including fat-free mass and fat mass) will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis under standardized conditions.
The primary outcome is the correlation between parent and offspring RMR. Secondary analyses will evaluate whether these associations persist after adjustment for body composition, age, and sex, and will explore potential differences between same-sex and opposite-sex parent-child pairs. Statistical analyses will include correlation coefficients, multivariable regression models, and approaches that account for clustering within families.
This study involves minimal risk and non-invasive procedures. All data will be collected in a controlled research setting, anonymized, and handled in accordance with institutional ethical standards.
By providing updated evidence on familial patterns of metabolic rate, this study aims to improve understanding of interindividual variability in metabolism and contribute to future research on metabolic health, obesity susceptibility, and personalized approaches to nutrition and lifestyle interventions.
Primary outcome measures
- Parent-Offspring Correlation in Resting Metabolic Rate [Time frame: Single study visit (baseline assessment)]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Adjusted Association Between Parent and Offspring Resting Metabolic Rate [Time frame: Single study visit (baseline)]
- Sex-Specific Parent-Offspring Correlation in Resting Metabolic Rate [Time frame: Single study visit (baseline)]
- Within-Family Variability in Resting Metabolic Rate [Time frame: Single study visit (baseline)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Biological parent-adult child pairs
- Adult children aged ≥18 years
- Parents aged 40-60 years
- Ability to comply with study procedures, including fasting and resting conditions
- Generally healthy individuals without acute illness
Exclusion criteria
- Current weight loss or active dieting
- Known metabolic disorders (e.g., thyroid disease)
- Use of medications affecting metabolic rate
- Pregnancy
- Acute illness at the time of testing
- Inability to comply with pre-test requirements (e.g., fasting, avoiding exercise or caffeine)
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Family-based
Study locations
Israel · 1 center
- Sylvan Adams Sport Science Institute — Tel Aviv
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07594613 · 0012146-1