Bristol’s Children of the 90s seeks participants to attend its biggest ever clinic

Thousands of Bristol and Weston families are already part of the world-renowned Children of the 90s health study based at the University of Bristol. Their participation has led to many scientific discoveries about health. From how babies can safely sleep on their backs to genes that may cause obesity or deteriorating liver health in young people – much of what is now known about health is due to Children of the 90s data, and the study is now calling on more people to take part.

The study’s latest @30 Clinic is its largest yet – with over 7,500 people having taken part so far. Researchers hope a further 2,000 participants will book to attend the clinic before it finishes this summer.

Adding to the health data collected throughout their lives, the clinic captures measurements from the original Children of the 90s as they enter their 30s plus their parents and children. This can include height, weight, blood pressure, as well as full body scans, blood tests and hearing/eye tests, depending on the participant’s age.

Professor Nic Timpson, Principal Investigator at Children of the 90s, said:

“The health data collected at this clinic will enable life-changing research and have a huge impact across many areas of science. Recently our data has been used to improve how childhood obesity is measured – potentially replacing BMI with a newer, easier waist-to-height measure.

“Anyone born in the Bristol, Weston or South Gloucestershire area in 1991-92 might be eligible to take part. We would love to hear from participants interested in our clinic via text 07772 909090 or email [email protected]. If you are eligible and attend our clinic you will receive £40 as a thank you.”

Children of the 90s is funded by the Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council and the University of Bristol. Health data collected from participants is added to the study’s resource of detailed health, lifestyle and genetic data.

The @30 Clinic includes health and wellbeing measures such as:

• height and weight
• lung function
• blood pressure along with blood samples
• liver scans
• vision and hearing measures
• physical fitness e.g. hopping on a force plate, a hand grip test
• cardio exercise bike test looking at how heart, lungs and muscles react when you exercise
• a DXA scan that measures fat, lean mass and bone density
• participants also answer questions about their mental health, beliefs and wellbeing.

Danielle Smith and her husband are both participants and recently attended their @30 visit. Danielle said:

“Not only is the clinic visit a great health check, checking areas of my body and development that wouldn’t usually be checked, it’s also great to be taking part in a research project that will help towards the future.

“It is a really interesting few hours, from liver scans to full body scans, breathing tests and samples. You also get your transport costs covered and a £40 voucher for coming along, which is a nice touch!”