Tom Robinson

Researchers led by Center on Longevity faculty affiliate Thomas Robinson MD, MPH have been awarded a $12.7 million, seven year National Institutes of Health grant to design a pediatric weight-control program. Combatting childhood obesity can help prevent problems later in life, such as diabetes and chronic disease. Collaborators include three other Center affiliates: Jay Bhattacharya MD, PhD, William Haskell PhD and Paul Wise MD, MPH.

“Our study will test a very exciting new model for treating overweight and obese kids,” Robinson said. “Currently, most communities have few resources to help these children and their families.” Robinson directs the Center for Healthy Weight at Packard Children’s Hospital. The center’s intensive, six-month pediatric weight-control program has a great track record: More than 80 percent of participants succeed in reducing their excess weight. But most of the nation’s overweight children lack access to an equivalent program. Read more