Obesity, poor dietary practices, and physical inactivity collectively form a triad of modifiable risk factors that are among the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality. KUMC investigators are actively involved in developing programs to treat obesity among adults, increase adherence to behavioral weight loss and exercise programs, and prevent obesity among children and adolescents by increasing healthy behaviors. For example, one current project uses a handheld computer behavioral intervention among adolescent boys and girls to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, decrease sweetened beverage use, and decrease TV or screen time. Another project consists of a weight loss program for obese African American women that incorporates motivational strategies along with gradual lifestyle change, increased physical activity, and decreased caloric and dietary fat intake. Obesity investigators in the Department of Preventive Medicine collaborate on numerous other projects with a multidisciplinary group of investigators from departments such as Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Nutrition and Dietetics. In addition, investigators enjoy cross-campus collaborations between the Medical Center, the KU campus in Lawrence, the University of Missouri Kansas City, and Children’s Mercy Hospital.
KUMC also offers numerous educational opportunities for increasing knowledge and understanding of obesity, its etiological factors, and prevention and treatment. Topical seminars are provided in the new medical student curriculum. Core theoretical concepts are integrated in the Masters of Public Health course Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health. A course on Public Health and Obesity is also offered, and additional graduate courses are taught specific to clinical nutrition and physical activity.
In addition, our faculty members are involved in several local and state community organizations, including the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Physicians Engaged in Prevention Research Network, Swope Health Services and safety net health clinics in Kansas City, and school districts throughout the state. By collaborating with these organizations, KUMC investigators are able to provide valuable services in obesity, physical activity, and nutrition to the local community.
Program Faculty
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