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   Obesity study
 

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Obesity study
Novel obesity study seeking patient families

Under the direction of David Ludwig, MD, director of the Optimal Weight for Life clinic, researchers at Children's Hospital Boston are recruiting families for their Family Nutrition Study. This intensive, 18-month project will examine the effectiveness of novel weight loss programs combining diet, physical activity and state-of-the-art behavioral strategies. Investigators will evaluate the treatments' effects on body fat, insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk factors.

Participants will attend individual family counseling sessions and group workshops for parents and children, that 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 the 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.”

Select inclusion criteria
- Age 8 to 12 years
- BMI in 95th percentile
- At least one parent with BMI at least 27 kg/m2
- Motivated to change eating habits in order to lose weigh

Select exclusion criteria
- Major medical illness
- Obesity-related genetic syndrome
- Abnormal screening laboratory test
- Prescription medications affecting body weight
- Current smoking
- History of eating disorder
- Major weight gain or loss within past six months

	To refer a patient family to the Family Nutrition Study, forward names and telephone numbers of interested patients, with their permission, to Erica Garcia-Lago at (617) 355-2500 or by e-mail at erica.garcialago@tch.harvard.edu, or ask interested candidates to contact Garcia-Lago directly.