Research
CHASE
Child Heart And health Study in England
CHASE is examining the health of about 5,000 primary school children aged between 9 and 10 years old. All of the children live in London or the Midlands and represent a balanced variety of different social and ethnic backgrounds.
CHASE will provide up-to-date evidence on current patterns of weight in children. The study aims to investigate the impact of children being overweight on the early development of diabetes, heart disease and other important conditions in childhood (particularly asthma and other allergic conditions). It will also examine current patterns of diet and activity in children and relate these to the measurements being made. A particular aim of the study will be to provide information on the health of children in a wide range of social and ethnic groups.
Data collection started in the summer of 2004 and continued until early 2007. Children had measurements taken of their height, weight, body build, blood pressure and lung capacity. They also provided a blood sample that was analysed for cholesterol and sugar (glucose) levels.
CHASE collaborates with the MRC Epidemiology Unit's Physical Activity Group for the measurement of physical activity levels and fitness. The Prevention Group also collaborates with the CHASE group in assessing factors that may influence the children’s physical activity. These include aspects of the child's psychology, physiology and biology as well as external factors such as their home and school lives.
CHASE was set up by Professors Peter Whincup and Derek Cook from St. Georges Hospital, London. For more information about CHASE can be found on their website www.chasestudy.ac.uk.
