A combined biomedical and psychosocial approach to weight management

The purpose of this study is to determine if an interdisciplinary team approach is superior to the traditional “doctor-patient” approach in assisting children and adolescents in managing their weight and preventing obesity. The interdisciplinary team consists of the primary care physician, a nurse, dietitian, fitness trainer, and behavioral health specialist (psychology extern). A unique aspect of this study is that family members (parents/guardians, siblings) will also participate in the educational and exercise components of the intervention. Therefore, not only the child or adolescent, but also the family will have the opportunity to learn about healthy food choices and engage in practical fitness activities. Study participants will receive travel expense reimbursement, and the child study subject will receive two dollars per pound lost at the conclusion of the study.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:

• Are 13–18 years of age
• Are 10–30 pounds overweight
• Have parents/guardians and siblings (if applicable) that agree to participate in the educational and fitness training components

You will be excluded from this study if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have physical limitations that would prevent fitness training
• Have cognitive limitations that would prevent learning and behavioral change
• You are using psychiatric medications

This is a partial list of eligibility requirements. To inquire about your eligibility, please call the contact number provided. If you wish to inquire via e-mail, please include the title of the study in your message.