Wash U to Conduct Children's Weight Loss Study; Looks for Local Families to Participate

Washington University School of Medicine is looking for children ages 7 to 11 years old, who are heavy for their age, to participate in a weight loss and family health study. Parents and children will learn strategies for healthy eating and weight loss.

This research study, called COMPASS (Comprehensive Maintenance Program to Achieve Sustained Success), is supported by a grant through the National Institutes of Health. The goal of this study is to determine the best treatment for long-term weight management in overweight children and their families.


A past study found that children who lose weight were able to keep it off more effectively if they participated in a maintenance-targeted treatment program. This study hopes to further investigate what length, frequency and type of treatment is effective.

In the COMPASS study, children and parents will start with four months of intensive, family-based intervention to help them lose weight. During the next eight months, families will be divided into three groups: intensive weight maintenance therapy called social facilitation maintenance (SFM); a slightly less intense version of SFM therapy; or health education about how to maintain weight loss and live healthy lives.

All families involved will receive a proven intervention to help parents and kids lose weight.

To be considered for this study, children must:

• Be 7 to 11 years old

• Be heavy for their age/gender

• Have a parent who is also overweight

To determine if your child is eligible to participate, you and your child will be asked to complete an eligibility assessment. Both parent and child's height and weight will be measured. In addition, standard questions will be asked by a trained interviewer to determine eligibility.

The entire study lasts 24 months, with family-based behavioral weight control treatment sessions during the first 12 months and follow-up assessments during the second 12 months. Families will receive $225 if they complete the entire study.

To find out more information or to volunteer for this study, please contact Molly at 314-286-1055 or email compassprogram@psychiatry.wustl.edu

Share This Story
Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
 
Things to Do

Storytime in Forest Park
Monday, July 28, 2025

Meet up in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers. 

 

View this event »
Farm Friends Meet & Greet at Brookdale Farms
Monday, July 28, 2025
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Take your kids to the farm this summer! At the Brookdale Farms Farm Friends Meet & Greet kiddos can get up close and have snuggle time with friendly farm friends, including baby goats, bunnies, donkeys and more. 

 

View this event »
Summerween at The Magic House
Monday, July 28, 2025
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Celebrate Summerween all week long at The Magic House! Beat the heat and get a sneak peek at the fun of fall. Come dressed up in your "funnest" beach attire or Halloween costume – whichever season suits you – and trick or treat throughout the Magic House.

 

 

View this event »
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Popular Stories

Festivals & Fireworks to Celebrate July 4th in St. Louis

It's time to celebrate Independence Day in St. Louis, and because this year July 4th falls on a Friday, your family can look forward to a full weekend of festivals and fireworks. Check out these family-friendly celebrations that include carnivals, fantastic fireworks and lots more.

Continue reading »
Why Summer Camp is Great for . . . Parents

Being able to focus on yourself, your partner, and other people in your life who mean a lot to you is no small matter. As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to cultivate. Sending your kids to summer camp may bring out your more playful side that you haven’t shown for a while.

Continue reading »
7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

It’s time to decide whether to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know that's the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision.

Continue reading »
Want Your Kids to Learn? Teach Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

It’s normal for parents to want to protect their children from failure. It’s also normal to want them to achieve, win, and do their best. But here’s the truth: We don’t learn anything new without making mistakes. I’ll say it again. Making mistakes is a crucial step in learning. If we’re fearful of making mistakes, learning comes to a screeching halt.

Continue reading »
10 Ways to Improve Your Child's Listening Skills

Focused listening is one of the most important skills your child will ever learn. Children with strong listening skills do better in school, sports, relationships and, eventually, in their careers. But many children lack this important skill and parents are rightly concerned. First, listening is much more than just hearing.

Continue reading »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Follow Us