Adolescent Obesity

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of overweight children, adolescents, and adults during the last two decades.

Research in this area is focused on understanding factors that contribute to successful weight loss efforts as well as developing and testing pediatric weight control interventions.

Current studies include evaluation of a peer-based intervention to enhance weight control and improve psychosocial functioning in overweight adolescents and identification of individual and family variables that contribute to successful weight loss efforts in children and adolescents.

Current studies

• The Role of Parents in Adolescent Weight Control (IRB Title: Combined Communication and Behavioral Weight Control Intervention for Teens)
  This study is recruiting overweight adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 years. Adolescents are randomly assigned to one of two group based behavioral weight control interventions, one in which adolescents work independently, or another in which adolescents work as a team with their parent.
  Principal Investigator: Elissa Jelalian, PhD

• Integrated Treatment for Overweight Adolescents with Depression
  This study is recruiting adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 years who are overweight and experiencing depression. Adolescents are randomly assigned to receive cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression or an integrated treatment that includes both CBT for depression and exercise.
  Principal Investigator: Elissa Jelalian, PhD
  Co-Investigator: Anthony Spirito, PhD