
Trial to Assess Response to Oral Vitamin D3 Supplementation in Obese Individuals
ObesityThis study is an extension of an earlier study of vitamin D supplementation conducted on normal weight individuals by Dr. John Aloia of the Bone Mineral Research Division at Winthrop University Hospital. The investigators plan to compare the response to vitamin D supplementation in obese individuals with the response already measured in normal weight individuals. The same dosing schedule of vitamin supplementation will be used as in the past. The doses used in the past have demonstrated safety in a number of trials, here at Winthrop as well as outside of Winthrop Hospital. Sixty study volunteers are planned for enrollment in the study. The study participants will mainly be recruited from a group of patients who have in the past been enrolled in the weight loss program at Winthrop Hospital. Each participant will be on vitamin D supplementation for a total of 8 weeks. Vitamin D blood levels will be measured before and at the end of the supplementation period. They will then be compared to see the change over time as a result of supplementation.

KAN-DO: A Family-based Intervention to Prevent Childhood Obesity
ObesityPrevention & Control1 moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an intervention (KAN-DO: Kids & Adults Now - Defeat Obesity) encouraging postpartum mothers and their preschool-aged children to work together to promote healthy eating, increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary behaviors. Via instruction in parenting skills and behavior change strategies, the goal is relative weight maintenance in children of healthy weight, and relative weight reduction in overweight children. The intervention will focus on a child (2-5 years of age) and his or her overweight or obese mother, who has just delivered a second or subsequent baby.

Ready. Set. ACTION! A Theater-Based Obesity Prevention Program for Children
ObesityThe goal of Ready, Set, ACTION! (RSA) is to test the feasibility of implementing a theater-based after-school program to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and positive body image with children in grades four through six.

Addressing Health Literacy and Numeracy to Prevent Childhood Obesity
Obesity PreventionIn 2003, Surgeon General Richard Carmona suggested that low health literacy is "one of the largest contributors to our nation's epidemic of overweight and obesity." Over 26% of preschool children are now overweight or obese, and children who are overweight by age 24 months are five times as likely as non-overweight children to become overweight adolescents. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of a low-literacy/numeracy-oriented intervention aimed at teaching pediatric resident physicians to promote healthy family lifestyles and prevent overweight among young children (age 0-2) and their families in under-resourced communities.

Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program Into a Virtual Lifestyle Management Program
ObesityDiabetes1 moreThe objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Lifestyle Management (VLM) as a behavior modification tool to promote weight loss, healthy eating and physical activity patterns, in the interest of reducing risk and adverse outcomes for individuals at high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a military population. Specific Aim: To evaluate the effect of VLM on cardiovascular risk status in participants at high risk or individuals with T2D enrolled in the pilot study. The investigators hypothesize that participants will show greater improvement in weight as well as glucose, blood pressure, lipids, and self-reported diet and physical activity than will similar patients who are not enrolled in VLM.

Effects of Supplement Containing Various Probiotics and Fermentation Products on Obesity
ObesityThe purpose of this study is to determine the effect of supplement combined various probiotics and fermentation products on body mass index, body fat mass, abdominal circumference, visceral fat mass, intestinal flora, and serum biochemical parameters in overweight subjects.

Translational Obesity Research
ObesityThe proposed project takes an innovative approach to childhood obesity prevention, for which there currently no evidence-based programs, and for which results of current trials have produced mainly short-term or disappointing effects. The aim of this project is to adapt and revise parts of two nationally recognized programs for drug prevention for use with children in grades 4-6 with the express purpose of obesity prevention. The current study will attempt to promote emotion regulation, neuro-cognitive function, and social competence in order to prevent obesity. A total of 24 elementary schools from two of the largest districts in Orange County will be randomly assigned to either the obesity prevention program or control group (N=1587) 4th grade students and their parents). A cohort of students will be followed from the 4th through 6th grades. Intervention students will be administered the Pathways obesity prevention program by trained teachers. The population is ethnically diverse (36% white, 57% Hispanic, 6%Asian; 48% on free/reduced lunch programs). Self-report measures, BMI, and waist circumference will be administered at the beginning of 4th grade, and at end of 4th , 5th , and 6th grade. Teacher, administrative, and parent surveys will be administered on the same schedule to measure school environment. Program implementation will be measured by teacher self-report and research staff observations. Data will be analyzed with statistical approaches that capture effects of school and classroom, test the theoretical model of change, and evaluate developmental trends in mediators and outcomes across the three grades. Findings should be generalizable to most elementary schools, and will be used to develop evidence-based program standards for childhood obesity prevention.

An Evaluation of a Culturally- and Linguistically-Appropriate Online Diet Program for U.S Hispanics...
ObesityThe purpose of this study is to conduct a randomized trial to rigorously test the efficacy of the MiDieta eHealth portal for weight loss among overweight, though otherwise healthy, members of the Hispanic community, many of whom may be members of collaborating managed care organizations.

Obesity Prevention After Smoking Cessation in Menopause
ObesityMenopauseThis study addresses the high risk of weight gain associated with smoking cessation in women. The obesity prevention pilot study is designed for the primary prevention of weight gain that can lead to overweight in normal-weight women, that can progress to obesity in women who are already overweight, and for the prevention of additional weight gain in obese women with BMI greater than or equal to 30.0. Fat and other macronutrient intake, specifically, sugar, complex carbohydrates, and protein, are analyzed as a target for individually tailored, weight control intervention following smoking cessation in Caucasian and African American women.

Work, Weight, and Wellness Program: The 3W Program
Cardiovascular DiseasesHeart Diseases1 moreThe purpose of this study is to increase physical activity, improve diet, and reduce obesity of hotel employees.