Description
The University of Kansas (KU) and Children’s Mercy Hospitals & Clinics (CMH) have joined forces to counter the growing obesity epidemic that now affects 25 percent of Kansas City area children by developing a cutting-edge obesity research, treatment and community outreach center serving the Midwest, with a special focus on childhood and adolescent obesity. The new Center for Physical Activity, Nutrition and Weight Management is one of the nation’s largest public-private partnerships addressing obesity and one of the few nationwide focusing on childhood obesity. Scientists pursue research geared to a better understanding of the causes of obesity through three “cores” or units:
• The research core develops and evaluates strategies that affect obesity. This core uses state-of-the-art technology in genomics, proteomics, and biomarker assays in the study of childhood obesity (e.g., Prader-Willi syndrome, early onset morbid obesity, metabolic syndrome) in addition to utilizing body composition, physical activity, metabolism and nutrition measures.
• The clinical core treats obesity in individuals to reduce weight and manage associated risks for disease. In addition, numerous programs for children with diseases caused by obesity currently cared for at Children’s Mercy Hospital & Clinics (including diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, fatty liver and others) will continue within the clinics at CMHC.
• The community education and programming core disseminates information and implements obesity programs for the community at large. A director of outreach was hired in December of 2008.
Key Staff
The Center is directed by KU Professor Joseph E. Donnelly. Donnelly is a nationally recognized researcher in weight loss and maintenance who has received $10 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants for his research since 2000.
Accomplishments
• Center opened in July of 2008
• Approximately 7 million dollars in research grants have been awarded to the Center.
• 1.75 million dollars from private sources have been secured by the center.
• The Center’s work with the YMCA is reaching 2,000 clients at a community level for intervention.
Goals
• The Center will reach the critical size of researchers and programs to be self-sufficient by year six or seven and will seek NIH Designated Research Center status within ten years.
• The center will serve 30,000 children in its first five years through child and adult clinics, programs, training and community education.
• Clinical operation at Children's Mercy will reach a level of 200 children by year three for 3-6 month programs.
To learn more about the Center, please feel free to contact Denise St. Omer at the Community Foundation at 816-627-3417 or visit the following website http://www.ebl.ku.edu/.
