Data collection occurred at study visits through questionnaires, physical measurements and laboratory analysis of biological samples.
Information about demographics, family health history, ethnicity, socioeconomic status(education, income, postal code), quality of life and lifestyle practices (nutrition and associated behaviours, physical activity and associated behaviours, sleep patterns, parental smoking history) were collected by questionnaire.
A mental health assessment by interview with the research assistant was conducted.
Height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, subscapular and tricep skinfolds, and blood pressure were measured. In addition, wheezing and Tanner Staging of physical aspects of development, based on external sex characteristics (size of breasts, genitals, testicular volume, development of pubic hair, etc) were observed. Body mass index was calculated. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Also, physical activity was measured by accelerometry and pulmonary function was tested by spirometry. Hand grip strength was assessed. A carotid intima media thickness and atherosclerosis exams were done via ultrasound.
Blood was also collected, noted as fasting or non-fasting, and tested for glucose, insulin apolipoprotein A1, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.