Our Mission

 

Mission:  The mission of this laboratory is to prevent and reduce obesity in children and adolescents through innovative, translational research and scientific advocacy.

Primary Goals:  To achieve this mission, the primary goals of this laboratory are to test the efficacy and effectiveness of technology (primarily exergames and wearable technology) to promote physical activity and to integrate these technologies into family-based weight management programs for youth.

Currently we are interested in:

  • Comparing the effectiveness of enhanced standard of care and family-based behavioral treatment to reduce weight in families, delivered through primary care clinics and with a focus on under-served populations
  • Technology-mediated physical activity options for youth with obesity, especially exergames (activity-promoting video games) and mobile apps that promote motor skill development
  • Identifying intervention targets including facilitators and barriers of physical activity and sedentary behavior through the use of wearable technology include activity monitors, GPS trackers, and ecological momentary assessment delivered over a smartphone.

 

 

 

The Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior Lab has a current contract with PCORI (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) for The Dose Trial: Dose Intensity for Behavioral Interventions for Childhood Obesity.

 

 

We are partnering with Greaux Healthy, a public service initiative powered by Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in parntership with the State of Louisiana, focused on preventing and treating childhood obesity in the state. Drawing from over 35 years of scientific research, Greaux Healthy creates evidence-based tools, resources, and programs that promote better health for children of all ages.

 


This laboratory is affiliated with the Childhood Obesity & Diabetes Research Program at Pennington Biomedical and conducts research within the Translational Research Clinic for Children (TReCC).