Obesity & Weight Management
Research Projects/Prevention Programs

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has implemented several obesity prevention programs within communities throughout Texas. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 66 percent of adults and 32 percent of youth are obese or overweight. Through effective interventions, the UT Health Science Center strives to tackle the issues of obesity. Below are several programs developed by researchers at the UT Health Science Center. For more information on these programs please contact the Media Relations Team.

• CAN DO Houston tackles childhood obesity

Childhood obesity is a major problem nationwide and an even more severe problem in Texas. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 17 percent of elementary school students nationwide are obese. However, the Lone Star State is closer to 25 percent, according to the School Physical Activity and Nutrition Project.

In Houston, the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences (CCTS) at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is working with civic leaders to shrink student waistlines. Not surprisingly, obesity was one of two health concerns identified by a CCTS community advisory board for targeted research. The other - diabetes - often results from obesity.

In 2008, the UT Health Science Center, with the Mayor's Wellness Council and the Houston Wellness Association, launched a pilot project in two inner city neighborhoods to fight obesity. The program is called CAN DO Houston, which is short for Children and Neighbors Defeat Obesity. It is applying the principles of the evidence-based Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) program to help improve the health of children and their families. Program leaders listen to community voices and leverage existing resources. CAN DO Houston provides after-school programs promoting physical activity and healthy snacks, cooking classes for parents and students, grocery store tours and nutrition education.

• Fun Families Project

Media consumption has been identified as a contributing factor to childhood obesity, according to researchers at The University of Texas School of Public Health. According to research, time spent with media decreases the amount of time available to pursue healthy activities, such as physical activity and affects children's attitudes and behaviors. The parent-focused project aims to reduce TV watching, eating in front of TV, TV sets in children's bedrooms for children 6-9 years of age.

• Tu Salud Si Cuenta (Your Health Matters)

Researchers from The University of Texas School of Public Health Brownsville Regional Campus developed a tri-dimensional obesity intervention program for the Hispanic population. Tu Salud Si Cuenta combines three media intervention methods to promote the importance of physical activity and nutrition to residents in Texas' Valley area. The program includes a weekly television show, daily radio segment and weekly newsletters delivered by community health workers, promotoras.

• Qué Sabrosa Vida (What a Delicious Life)

Qué Sabrosa Vida Nutrition Initiative, a community based nutrition program which includes recommendations for nutrition, physical activity and water consumption. Qué Sabrosa Vida also includes a custom food pyramid which is based on the foods of a traditional Mexican-American border diet. Over 16,000 residents along the El Paso, Texas and Cd. Juarez, Mexico border have participated in the program.