Christie Befort, PhD

Assistant Professor

Focusing on research that examines strategies for improving behavioral obesity and exercise adherence, Christie collaborates with a multidisciplinary team from various departments across KU. Her background in behavioral medicine and health psychology allows great insight into the study of obesity. Recently completing the SWING Into Weight Loss study, Christie examined the benefit of motivational interviewing for improving adherence to a group-based behavioral weight loss program for African American women. Her research – supported by the National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program, the American Cancer Society and the KUMC Research Institute – has included an evaluation of the impact of affective responses to exercise, treating obesity in diverse populations, and the study of school environments and their relationship to childhood obesity. Christie enjoys chairing capstone projects for MPH students and providing lectures on theories related to motivating behavioral change.

BS	Kinesiolgy	University of Texas at Austin
MS	Counseling Psychology	Arizona State University
PhD	Counseling Psychology	Colorado State University
Residency	Clinical Psychology	VA Palo Alto Healthcare System