Culturally-Appropriate Weight Loss Intervention for Overweight Latino Children

Project Description Narrative:

The number of children in the U.S. who are overweight is increasing, especially among Latino children. Being overweight has a significant impact on a child’s future and current psychosocial health, and is associated with increased risks of chronic conditions including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and abnormal glucose tolerance.

Focusing on Milwaukee’s overweight Latino youth, this project will assess whether a community-based, culturally appropriate intervention with weight loss, physical activity, and nutrition counseling is an effective alternative to traditional care. The intervention that will be tested promotes lifestyle changes aimed at preventing childhood precursors of chronic disease, and will focus on community collaborations to transform health improvement efforts.