Obesity researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are recruiting families with young children to participate in a new online study.
The catch: the young children have to be, how shall we put this, pleasantly plump.
Researchers want to know how the online program, dubbed Food for Thought, is affecting parents with overweight children who range in age from two to six-years-old.
During a twelve-week period, parents will be asked to log on to a Web site for one hour a week. The website will provide tips and shape strategy for the family as they try to eat less and exercise more.
The parents in the program -- sneaky bastards that they are -- will monitor their lil' ones eating and activity throughout the week.
This is the best part: they will also weigh themselves and record the information.
Denise E. Wilfley, Ph,D., the study's principal investigator, says the study is designed to take place over ten months. She says evaluating childhood obesity is especially important today with statistics that show one-fifth of American children are overweight, obese, or both.
Around 60 families are expected to participate. All must have access to that great series of tubes called the Internet. The program is provided free of charge for those who qualify but a series of screening tests is likely to take place.
But fret not, "financial compensation" will be provided for the lucky few plucked from the pack.
For more info, email [email protected] or read about it here.
