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05.09.03

Obesity study seeks novel solutions
 

Complications of cComplications of childhood obesity. (From The Lancet.)

n recent years, childhood obesity has become a hot topic in pediatrics, on the news and among families. It has emerged as one of the greatest threats to the health and well-being of children today, and while investigators have gained new insight into the physiology involved, treatment for childhood obesity remains largely ineffective.

In a 2002 issue of The Lancet, researchers from Children’s Division of Endocrinology posed the simple question, “Why is substantial long-term weight loss so difficult to obtain?” They speculated that traditional dietary interventions might rely too heavily on reduction of fat intake, while conventional exercise programs ignore fundamental lifestyle issues.

Nevertheless, the researchers are optimistic that straightforward solutions do exist. Under the direction of David Ludwig, MD, director of the Optimal Weight for Life clinic, developing cutting-edge treatment programs. As part of that effort, Endocrinology is recruiting families for its Family Nutrition Study, an intensive, 18-month project that will examine the effectiveness of novel weight loss programs that combine diet, physical activity and state-of-the-art behavioral strategies to help families follow a healthy lifestyle.

Children’s staff, employees and patient families may be eligible to participate. At least one parent and a child age 8 to 12 must be willing to change their eating habits to lose weight together. There is no medication involved in the study. Participants will attend individual family counseling sessions and group workshops. Separate workshops for parents and children, designed to be both fun and educational, will include cooking demonstrations, taste testing, games and discussions. “Families who participate will have a lot to gain,” says Cara Ebbeling, PhD, director of the study and a behavioral intervention specialist who will screen potential participants. “But they will also have to be very committed. We are enrolling families who have a strong desire to work together to change their eating habits.”

In addition to the counseling sessions and workshops, that commitment will include office visits to have their measurements taken and blood tested, telephone interviews, and use of a pedometer to measure physical activity. Each child will be compensated for his or her time and best effort to follow the program with a $200 Toys-R-Us gift certificate. For more information or to determine if this study is right for your child and you, call ext. (617) 355-2500 or e-mail erica.garcialago@tch.harvard.edu.—CM