The prevalence of obesity in adults and in children is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, as well as in many other regions in the world. In 2003-2004, 66% of American adults were either overweight or obese, and approximately nine million children over the age of six were considered overweight.
Research conducted by Center for Health Decision Science researchers led by Drs. Wang and Kuntz, includes:
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Work supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (led by Professor Gortmaker and Dr. Kuntz) that aims to develop a comprehensive model to describe the growth trajectories of children into adulthood as a result of the balance between energy intake and expenditure. The goal is to evaluate how potential interventions, at the individual, school, community, or policy level, may influence behaviors such as physical activity and diet in an effort to promote healthier growth among the youth.
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Work with the National Cancer Institute as part of the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET), investigates the past and future trends of obesity in the U.S. population as well as its potential toll on life expectancy. This project will provide risk factor-specific life tables that document differential mortality expected for individuals of given smoking and body weight status.
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An NIH-sponsored program incorporating elements of behavior change theory to assess cost and cost effectiveness of early intervention strategies to prevent obesity in children 2-6 years old who exceed weight recommendations for their age.
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A pilot project of parents of overweight children that uses qualitative techniques to investigate the adoption of obesity prevention and management recommendations.