Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2008

Mentor: LeAnn Kridelbaugh, MD
Department: Pediatrics
Room number: Children's Medical Center Ambulatory Pavilion F4170
Mail Code:
Phone number: 214-456-5285 or 214-456-5326
E-mail: leann.kridelbaugh@childrens.com
Project title: LEAN Families program Outcomes

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 032006-023

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)
Patient based

Brief Description of Project: The Dean Foods LEAN Families program is a multidisciplinary pediatric weight management program at Children's Medical Center Dallas. The program currently enrolls children 6-11 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to the 95th percentile for age. Program components include initial medical evaluation by the multidisciplinary team, assessment of readiness to change, assessment of quality of life, and assessment of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Following medical evaluation, patients and their families participate in a 12 week lifestyle modification program where they learn about healthy eating and physical activity in a group setting. Families receive individual support from staff "buddies" during the group meetings and through weekly phone calls. Post program participation includes re-assessment of quality of life and healthy lifestyle behaviors. A data base of these measures, family demographic information, patient satisfaction surveys, and anthropometric data is maintained. This project will involve exploratory analysis of this data set to inform additional strategies for community based education and obesity prevention efforts addressing children and their families.