Parenting with a Purpose

Did you know that nearly 40% of children in Louisiana are overweight or have obesity? 

Research shows that obesity during childhood is highly predictive of future health outcomes in adulthood. The good news is there’s a solution for Greater Baton Rouge parents that not only helps kids learn how to live healthier lives, but gives them something to be involved in during the summer months. Plus, participating in a clinical study at Pennington Biomedical Research Center doesn’t just benefit the kids—the experience can have a positive impact on the whole family. 

Families willing to participate in clinical studies help researchers answer key questions that can lead to new cures, treatments and techniques for managing disease. Right now, children can participate in research at Pennington Biomedical that will address their current health concerns, explore their family history, evaluate habits and behaviors, and give them the tools to develop lifelong healthy habits. Plus, they’ll have access to some of the most prolific and highly regarded obesity and diabetes researchers in the world.

Dr. Daniel Hsia, an endocrinologist and assistant professor at Pennington Biomedical, is one of the many researchers working persistently to turn those statistics around.

“We’re bringing evidence-based weight-management and nutrition counseling to pediatricians’ offices to help children and their parents improve their health,” says Dr. Hsia. “Chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity are disproportionately impacting Louisiana's children, and research is key to progress.”

Many of the studies are focused on lifestyle, examining the impact of diet, exercise, and/or metabolism. Others provide access to new medications under review to prevent or treat medical conditions. with their pediatrician’s partnership and support. These are often conducted within the Center’s specially developed pediatric wing—the Translational Research Clinic for Children (TReCC)—a 14,000-square foot facility dedicated to the study of pediatric obesity and diabetes. 

Parenting with a Purpose

The family of Emma Smelley, 9, of Zachary, learned about the study through her pediatrician after their weight-loss efforts were unsuccessful. Through their participation in the study,  Emma's parents, Barrett and Becky Smelley, have learned to keep better snack choices in the house, focus on portion control, and reduce their sugar intake. 

“I definitely think doing the study made a big difference, simply because, on our own, it was hard for us to get her to understand the long-term effects of being overweight,” Becky Smelley says. “It’s helped her see that this is not a short-term thing. All of us need to change, together.” Barrett Smelley adds, “It has a lot to do with her realizing that it’s a mindset. Eating healthy is more than just losing weight, it’s adapting to a new lifestyle that’s going to be healthier for you in the long run.”

“We know that weight is a family issue, and that everyone needs to come on board to develop healthy habits,” says Dr. Amanda Staiano, an Associate Professor at Pennington Biomedical and director of the Center’s Pediatric Obesity and Health Behavior Lab. “Our goal is to create a collaborative environment with the child’s care team that benefits the family as a whole.”

Contribute to Groundbreaking Discoveries

What factors influence metabolism development in infants? Can indoor exercise be as effective as playing outdoors for young children? How is body shape related to heart health? These are just some of the questions Pennington Biomedical researchers hope to answer with the help of young clinical trial participants, from infancy to adolescence. 

Another trial examines how children and families lose weight together and become healthier through healthy eating and physical activity. And two additional studies involve medications—one to treat Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents; another to determine whether medication can lower body weight in children with obesity. 

From conception through early childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, the research conducted at Pennington Biomedical targeting pediatric obesity and chronic disease can be a lifesaver for parents—literally. 

Pennington Biomedical has several ongoing pediatric studies that accept participants on a rolling basis. The studies are at no charge to you and many of them offer compensation for volunteers who participate.

Pennington is currently looking for volunteers for these and other studies, with diverse backgrounds, ages, ethnicities and health conditions. If you are interested in participating, visit pbrc.edu/clinicaltrials and click on “pediatrics,” or call (225) 763-3000.

There are many safety measures in place to protect volunteers involved in clinical research, with special protections for children. If you and your child decide that you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial, there is a consent process that you both will be part of that covers specifics of the trial and potential benefits and risks.

Sponsored by Pennington Biomedical Research Center