Key points
CDC's Childhood Obesity Research Demonstration (CORD) projects fund research on implementation of evidence-based strategies for child obesity treatment. They focus on children and families with lower incomes living in diverse communities. CORD 3.0 research teams adapt, test, and package effective programs to ensure that they can be used and are sustainable in multiple real-world settings. The aim is to increase the availability of effective programs for millions of children struggling with overweight or obesity.
Background
Both the US Preventive Services Task Force and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend family-centered, intensive health behavior and lifestyle treatment for children with overweight or obesity. These are sometimes also called family healthy weight programs (FHWPs). However, implementing and sustaining programs that deliver this treatment in real-world settings, particularly for children and families with lower incomes, has been challenging.
Building on prior CORD studies, CORD 3.0 funds five research teams from 2019 through 2024. The research teams adapt and test effective FHWPs that support healthy behaviors and lifestyles and reduce body mass index. They translate the FHWPs into user-friendly, packaged materials that can be implemented in health care, community, or public health settings.
With CORD 3.0 funds, research teams:
- Develop digital implementation tools or training materials,
- Update or adapt curriculum materials,
- Assess cost-effectiveness of programs, or
- Address barriers to real-world implementation and sustainability.
CORD 3.0 could increase the availability of effective Family Healthy Weight Programs for millions of children struggling with overweight or obesity.
CORD 3.0 Recipients
Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital, in collaboration with the American Academy of Pediatrics' Institute for Healthy Childhood Weight, is packaging a program called Healthy Weight Clinic. The Massachusetts team developed and tested implementation tools for community-based health centers in Mississippi and Massachusetts. People served in these centers are often enrolled in Medicaid, and obesity is common.
Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island
The Miriam Hospital is evaluating and testing the implementation of the JOIN for ME program in two settings: a public housing authority and patient-centered medical homes. JOIN for ME is a family-centered, behavior-based weight management program that has a strong focus on parental involvement.
Stanford University, California
Stanford University is using technology, behavioral theory, and biodesign frameworks to make an effective, behavioral family-based intervention more scalable and affordable. They are working in in clinical and community settings. Their program is called the Stanford University Pediatric Weight Control Program.
University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska is packaging the Building Healthy Families (BHF) program for implementation in areas with 10,000 to 50,000 residents. BHF is a family-centered behavioral program for children and families with obesity. The university's approach focuses on helping communities fund, contract, or run learning collaboratives in their communities.
Washington University, St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is packaging Family-based Behavioral Treatment (FBT) for use with families with lower incomes in diverse primary care settings. This includes settings in urban and rural communities. FBT is an evidence-based behavioral program for children and their families. The program focuses on positive parenting techniques and guiding families toward healthier lifestyles.