Research

HEROES Weight Management Study

Justifying Underlying Motivation in Adolescents: Healthy Eating Routines and Optimizing Exercise Styles (HEROES)

Protocol Description

This study is aimed at developing programs to increase positive behavior, such as healthy eating and physical activity in overweight adolescents. The study uses a short-term cognitive-behavioral intervention (CBT) and a technologically-advanced armband that measures physical activity, caloric burn and sleep. Children/adolescents and their parents will be asked to participate in a 12-session, weekly weight management group. This group will also provide an opportunity to engage in weekly physical activity. The anticipated results will help in development of guidelines for the reduction of obesity in adolescents for long-term weight loss success.

Eligibility Criteria

The study is currently accepting boys and girls that are overweight, having a body mass index greater than or equal to the 85th percentile and are between the ages of 8 and 18 years of age.
Boys: Ages 8 to 18
Girls: Ages 8 to 18

Requirements
Participants will partake in 12 weekly CBT sessions. There will be parallel child and parent groups around the Pittsburgh area. Participants will also be asked to wear an armband for a specific period of time, enabling the recording of physical movement and sleep patterns.
Visits: 12
Duration: 3 months

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
Pittsburgh Mind-Body Center