SuperKids: A research project on diet, physical activity and health among children

SuperKids is the Danish arm of the European research project HealthyW8. The project investigates how digital tools and community-based activities can support healthy lifestyle habits among children aged 5 to 12 years.

About the project

Childhood overweight and obesity represent significant public health challenges across Europe. Research shows that dietary and physical activity habits established early in life can have long-term effects on health and well-being. At the same time, social inequalities exist in health, physical activity levels, and dietary habits among children. The SuperKids project was established to investigate how different interventions can support healthy habits among children and their families.

SuperKids is the Danish part of the European HealthyW8 research project. The project is conducted by DTU National Food Institute in collaboration with Gladsaxe Municipality, the University of Copenhagen, and international research partners.

The study examines how digital tools and community-based activities can be used to support healthy eating and physical activity habits among children aged 5 to 12 years. The project forms part of HealthyW8, which is being conducted in several European countries and includes research involving children, young adults, and older adults.

 

Who can participate?

The study is aimed at children aged 5 to 12 years and their parents or legal guardians.

Final eligibility will be assessed by the research team, but participation may be relevant for families in which the child:

  • Has overweight or is at risk of developing overweight
  • Is physically active less than twice per week
  • Does not eat vegetables daily
  • Consumes sugar-sweetened beverages several times per week

To determine whether the study is relevant for your family, interested families are invited to complete a screening questionnaire:

Principal Investigator

Gitte Ravn-Haren

Gitte Ravn-Haren Senior Researcher, Head of Research Group DTU National Food Institute

IINTERVENTION GROUP
CONTROL GROUP

What does participation involve?

Participation includes:

  • Measurement of height, weight, and body composition
  • Blood pressure measurements
  • Physical fitness assessments
  • Questionnaires
  • Measurement of physical activity using an activity monitor
  • Use of digital tools
  • Collection of urine, saliva, stool samples, and finger-prick blood samples
  • Follow-up over a 12-month period

The study includes up to eight study visits over the course of one year.

  

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Participation in SuperKids is entirely voluntary. It is up to you and your child whether you wish to participate, and you may take as much time as needed to consider your decision before providing consent.
Yes. You may withdraw your consent at any time without providing a reason. Withdrawal will have no consequences for you or your child, nor will it affect your contact with healthcare services or public authorities. Data collected before withdrawal may still be used in the research analyses in accordance with applicable regulations and the consent provided.

Participants will be asked to provide:

  • Urine samples
  • Saliva samples
  • Stool samples
  • Small finger-prick blood samples

Samples will be collected during selected study visits and will be used for research related to diet, physical activity, health, and the risk of developing overweight.

 

Study measurements and information meetings will be held at Skovbrynet School for the intervention group and Enghavegård School for the control group. Further information regarding time and location will be provided when you register for the information meeting.

Activities for the intervention group will primarily take place in Værebro Park and nearby facilities, including local sports facilities and kitchen facilities used for cooking activities.

Addresses

Enghavegård School

Mørkhøj Parkallé 3
2860 Søborg, Denmark

Skovbrynet School

Værebrovej 156
2880 Bagsværd, Denmark

 

 

All information and biological samples will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal information will be replaced by a code, ensuring that research data are pseudonymised. Only authorised project staff will have access to information that can identify participants.

Biological samples will be stored in research biobanks and analysed as described in the participant information sheet and consent form. Some samples may be sent to collaborating research institutions in other EU countries for specific analyses.

If you have questions about the project or would like additional information, please contact:

SuperKids – DTU National Food Institute

Email: hw8@food.dtu.dk
Phone: +45 35 88 77 11

Principal Investigator

Professor Gitte Ravn-Haren
DTU National Food Institute

 
You can find additional information in the Participant Information Sheet and the Full Research Protocol linked on this page.

Documents for potential participants

Study Documents