LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center has launched a research study to test different ways to treat childhood obesity. It’s called the COACH trial and children 5-17 who are obese can visit a health clinic near them and receive weight management treatment. Dr. Amanda Staiano is the director of Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior Laboratory at Pennington.
“This COACH study is helping to get options and resources to families so that they can help kids, and the parents themselves, to get to a healthier weight,” Staiano said.
Pennington is working with the Vanderbilt University Medical Center to enroll 900 children in Tennessee and Louisiana. Staiano says health clinics around the state are participating.
“We are training pediatricians; we are helping these doctor’s offices so that they can better help families who struggle with their weight and are looking for resources and help,” Staiano explained.
Those interested in participating can visit joincoach.org. Staiano says COACH is designed to help families improve their health through personalized nutrition counseling.
“They’ll get to meet with their doctor throughout the year. They’ll also get a personal health coach who will help work with them on healthy eating, physical activity, sleep,” Staiano noted.
Staiano says families will also have the option to explore community resources and access online interactive lessons about healthy habits.
Health experts say over one-in-five-children are affected by obesity. Childhood obesity can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea and other health problems.
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