Grant: Team Grant: Bariatric Care - Comparative hlth svs res to improve mgt of obesity

Severe obesity (SO) in Canadian children, defined as a body mass index greater than or equal to the 99th percentile, is not well-understood, and current treatments have not been very effective. The purpose of our team grant (Team to Address Bariatric Care in Canadian Children: Team ABC3) is to conduct a series of studies over the next five years to better understand and treat SO. To improve out understanding, we will conduct research to (1) determine how common SO is, (2) assess whether SO increases health care use, (3) examine health risks in children with SO, (4) explore treatment preferences and experiences in children with SO and a disability and their parents, and (5) study factors that predict treatment initiation among children with SO following a referral from their doctor. To examine different treatments for managing SO, we will (1) evaluate whether adding a health coach improves children's ability to adhere to a web-based weight management program and (2) test the feasibility and effect of a community-based weight management program for children with SO and their parents that combines group sessions and home visits. Overall, this research will help us and health care professionals form across the country to provide the best care possible for Canadian children with SO and their families.