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Groningen Expert Center for Kids with Obesity (GECKO)
Study of the early determinants of childhood obesity
Facility
Study of the early determinants of childhood obesity
The present study, GECKO Drenthe, is a population-based birth-cohort study of approximately 3,000 children born in Drenthe, one of the northern provinces of the Netherlands. The study aims to identify behavioural, social, environmental, and genetic risk factors for childhood obesity.
In 2006, the Groningen Expert Center for Kids with Obesity (GECKO) started studying the development of childhood overweight.
The overall aim of our study is to:
- Identify determinants of childhood obesity;
- Identify factors that contribute to the development of childhood obesity;
- Observe the role of parents in the development;
- Identify the role of genes and early programming in child health and growth;
- Observe the contribution of physical activity and nutrition to the development of obesity.
Following 2500 childeren in Drenthe to see why some become overweight and others don't.
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Relevance
Examining childhood obesity
The GECKO Drenthe cohort has been designed to examine the behavioural, social, environmental, and genetic risk factors for childhood obesity.
Our study is a population-based birth-cohort study of children born between April 2006 and April 2007. A total of 5,326 infants were born during this period.
The parents of 2,997 infants gave written informed consent. A total of 2,842 children were included in the study. They are being followed from birth to adulthood.
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Visit the website on birth cohorts for more detailed information.
External researchers who are interested can submit a research proposal. The aim of the research proposal should fit in with the objectives of the Gecko study.
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We have published more than 40 articles about this cohort. If you are interested, please visit PubMed and search for GECKO Drenthe.
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Within our facility, we work together with other organisations:
- Drenthe Gezond
- LifeCycle Project
- PACE
- ABCD study
- My Little Moves
- Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health – Louise Dekker. Praatplaten samen met Jong Leren Eten
- CHICOS
- NCD-RisC
Background information
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During pregnancy, the paternal and maternal data were collected regarding their reproductive and medical history, social structures, lifestyle, diet, and smoking behaviour before and during pregnancy. Clinical data regarding the pregnancy and delivery were collected from obstetricians, midwives, and general practitioners.
After the birth of the child, information was collected using questionnaires that the parents have to answer about lifestyle, dietary behaviour, physical activity, biological factors, social factors, environmental influences, and illnesses.
Anthropometry measurements were performed by youth healthcare practitioners and provided data regarding weight, height, head, hip and waist circumference, and blood pressure.
Additional measurements were performed in cohort subgroups. These measurements could involve urine samples, blood samples, GWAS, methylation analyses of cord blood, and physical activity measured with accelerometers.
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Contact
Postal address:
GECKO Drenthe Onderzoeksteam
HPC FA40
Antwoordnummer 275
Postbus 30001
9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands