The Effects of Prebiotic Supplementation on Appetite Control

Article Analysis and Evaluation of Research Ethics
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Article Analysis and Evaluation of Research Ethics
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Article 1
(Hume, Nicolucci, & Reimer, 2017), https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.140947

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Description

Broad Topic Area/Title

Prebiotic supplementation improves appetite control in children with overweight and obesity: A randomized controlled trial

Problem Statement
(What is the problem research is addressing?)

The problem being addressed in the research is obesity and overweight among children. The researchers investigate the effect of prebiotics in appetite control among obese and overweight children, which helps manage body weight.

Purpose Statement
(What is the purpose of the study?)

The purpose of the study is to examine whether prebiotic supplementation impacts appetite control and intake of energy among overweight and obese children. In addition, the effect of prebiotic supplementation was determined independently, i.e., whether the participants were making any lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet.

Research Questions
(What questions does the research seek to answer?)

The researchers seek to answer the following questions:
Can prebiotic supplementation improve appetite control among overweight and obese children?
Does prebiotic supplementation have an impact on BMI score in children with obesity and overweight?

Define Hypothesis
(Or state the correct hypothesis based upon variables used)

It is hypothesized that the use of prebiotic supplementation in children with overweight and obesity improves their appetite control.

Identify Dependent and Independent Variables and Type of Data for the Variables

The independent variable in the study is prebiotic supplementation. In contrast, the dependent variable is appetite control among overweight and obese children, which was measured in terms of energy intake, appetite levels, and BMI scores. One group of participants (overweight and obese children) was given prebiotic supplementation, and the other group was given a placebo, but appetite control was measured in both groups.
The type of data used is quantitative. Specifically, the independent variable's data type is continuous; the amount of prebiotic supplementation and placebo was measured in grams. Similarly, the type of data for the dependent variable is also continuous data. For example, the energy intake was measured based on the amount of food intake, while the BMI was measured based on the height and weight of the participants.

Population of Interest for Study

The researchers were interested in children with obesity and overweight. Specifically, both male and female children aged 7-12 years are included in the study.

Sample

A sample of 42 children with obesity and overweight was selected for the study. Both genders were included, and participants had to be aged between 7 and 12 years. Girls were required to be in the age before the onset of menstruation. Both boys and girls in the sample were required to be in Tanner development stage three or below. Those taking medication that influences weight, appetite, or metabolism were excluded. In addition, those with heart or liver disease, diabetes, previous gastrointestinal surgery, as well as those who had used prebiotic/probiotic supplementation or antibiotics in the last three months before the research, were excluded.

Sampling Method

Stratified random sampling was used. First, the researchers stratified participants by age, BMI score, and sex. Second, these participants were also assigned to the control and experiment groups randomly using a computer-generated randomization list.

Identify Data Collection
Identify how data were collected

Food intake data were collected at baseline and weeks 8 and 16 (end of the study). Caregivers were required to record the amount of food and beverages consumed by their children for one weekend day and two weekdays at baseline, eight and 16-week intervals. Blood samples were also collected at baseline and at week 16 to help determine the levels of satiety hormones. Data on appetite was collected using the visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and week 16. The participants filled a before breakfast and after breakfast questionnaire. Subjective appetite data were also collected using the Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) at baseline, week 8, and week 16. BMI scores were used to determine changes in the body weight of participants.

Summarize Data Collection Approach

Questionnaires: Appetite and eating behavior were assessed ...