The Quebec Family Study (QFS): Role of Genetic Factors in Obesity and Its Related Risk Factors and Diseases

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The Quebec Family Study (QFS) is an observational study that was planned to investigate the role of genetic factors in physical fitness, body composition, risk factors for common disease and health-related behaviour.

Detailed Description
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The Quebec Family Study was an observational study with three cycles of data collection between 1978 and 1992. During the first cycle of data collection (Phase 1: 1978-1982), a total of 1,650 subjects from 375 families were recruited. During the second cycle (Phase 2: 1989-1997), 385 subjects from 105 phase 1 families were retested and an additional 372 subject from 74 families were recruited. During the third cycle (Phase 3: 1998-2002), 204 subjects from phase 1 were tested a third time, 113 subjects from phase 2 were tested a second time and 194 new subjects from 44 families were recruited.

Official Title
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The Quebec Family Study: an Observational Study Aimed at Investigating the Role of Genetic Factors in Physical Fitness, Obesity and Risk Factors for Common Diseases and Health-related Behaviours

Conditions
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Obesity, Physical Fitness

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age over 10 years Exclusion Criteria: Not applicable

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 10 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Body composition | Body composition as assessed by underwater weighing | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Body mass index (kg/m^2) | Body mass index assessed from height and weight | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Abdominal fat | Abdominal fat as assessed by commuted tomography | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Waist and hip circumferences (cm) | Waist and hip circumferences (cm) | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Caloric intake | Total caloric intake and macronutrient intake using a 3-day dietary record | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Eating behaviour | Eating behaviour assessed using the Three-Factor Eating questionnaire | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Energy expenditure | Oxygen consumption at rest and during exercise | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Physical activity level | Physical activity level assessed by questionnaire | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Blood pressure (mm Hg) | Systolic and diastolic blood pressure | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Plasma lipid levels (mmol/L) | Fasting levels of triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in mmo/L | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Glucose levels (mmol/L) | Plasma glucose levels in a fasting state and following an oral glucose tolerance test, inflammatory markers. Plasma glucose levels in a fasting state and during an oral glucose tolerance test | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Insulin levels (pmol/L) | Plasma insulin levels in a fasting state and following an oral glucose tolerance test. | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| C-reactive protein (CRP in mg/ml) | C-reactive protein (CRP in mg/ml) | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Adiponectin levels (in micrograms/ml) | Adiponectin levels (in micrograms/ml) | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Interleukin-6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in pg/ml | Interleukin-6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in pg/ml | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Smoking habits (nb of cigarettes per day) | Smoking habits (nb of cigarettes per day) | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Sleeping (hours/day) | Sleeping (hours/day) | Through study completion, an average of 24 years | 
| Alcohol consumption | Alcohol consumption (nb of drinks per week) | Through study completion, an average of 24 years |