Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center
Peer-Enhanced Intervention to Support Teen Weight Loss
Principal Investigator
Elissa Jelalian, PhD
Funding Source
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Description
This project is designed to assess the utility of adding a peer
intervention, based on the model of Outward Bound, to standard behavioral
treatment for adolescent weight control. The prevalence of overweight
in children and adolescents has increased significantly during the
last two decades. Overweight adolescents are at increased risk for
a number of medical and psychosocial concerns, including type 2
diabetes, being overweight in adulthood, and diminished self-esteem.
Our initial trial with a peer intervention provided promising findings.
We are undertaking a larger clinical trial to evaluate the utility
of the peer intervention combined with standard behavioral weight
control with a second sample over a longer timeframe. A secondary
goal of the study is to identify mediators of weight maintenance
in adolescents over a two-year period.
Significance
Research in this area has the potential to impact the health of
adolescents by identifying innovative ways to support weight management.
Find out more: Please contact
us for more information about the center and our research.
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