# Targeting added sugar to improve dietary intake in high-risk adolescents

> **NIH NIH K01** · TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH · 2022 · $138,901

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
The overall goal of this K01 proposal is to provide Gina Tripicchio, PhD, MSEd, with the training and
mentorship to establish an independent program of research focused on innovative behavioral interventions to
improve dietary intake in high-risk adolescents. Added sugar (AS) is a prime target for dietary intervention in
adolescents; it contributes excess calories with no nutritional benefits, and adolescents consume more AS than
any other age group. High-risk adolescents (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities from low-income communities),
experience disproportionately higher rates of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases yet remain
understudied. A key limitation in developing efficacious trials for this high-risk group is the dearth of information
about key factors associated with AS intake. To address this gap, this project aims to characterize key drivers
of AS intake in high-risk adolescents using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). EMA allows for the
examination of contextually specific dietary influences in real-time, while reducing recall bias and participant
burden. This rich information can be used to guide the development of a tailored, salient behavioral
intervention. Additionally, an objective stable isotope biomarker of AS has recently emerged and can be used
to address key limitations of self-reported outcomes in dietary interventions. Two studies will be employed to
meet the aims of this project. Study 1 (years 1-2), will collect EMA from 40 adolescents and examine the
feasibility and acceptability of the δ13C biomarker in the target sample. Study 2 (years 3-5), will implement a
pilot RCT to test a contextually tailored, technology-enriched intervention in a sample of 70 adolescents, 12-16
years of age, from a low-income community in north Philadelphia. A 3-month behavioral intervention, including
group-based sessions, interactive text messaging and parent support, will aim to reduce AS intake compared
to an educational comparison group. Changes in AS, as measured by the δ13C biomarker, will be assessed as
the primary outcome and total changes in diet quality will be examined as a secondary outcome. A rigorous
training plan will complement the proposed research, facilitated by mentors who are experts in nutrition, eating
behavior, digital interventions, statistics, and behavioral trials in pediatric populations. Specific training
objectives include: 1) ecological momentary assessment, 2) multi-level statistical modeling, 3) assessment of
objective nutritional biomarkers and 4) designing and implementing behavioral interventions to address
disparities. Temple University's Center for Obesity Research and Education is an ideal setting for this work as
it provides extensive research resources and access to a population of diverse, high-risk youth. This K01 will
provide novel information about AS intake in high-risk adolescents and test a targeted, tailored intervention to
reduce consumption. Findings will support the a...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10478017
- **Project number:** 5K01HL153783-02
- **Recipient organization:** TEMPLE UNIV OF THE COMMONWEALTH
- **Principal Investigator:** Gina L. Tripicchio
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $138,901
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10478017

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10478017, Targeting added sugar to improve dietary intake in high-risk adolescents (5K01HL153783-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10478017. Licensed CC0.

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