Contact: Ranjit Arab, University Relations, (785) 864-8855 or [email protected]
NEW PROGRAMS AIMED AT PREVENTING OBESITY--ENERGY BALANCE LAB TO OPEN IN JANUARY
LAWRENCE, Kan. -- It has been predicted that 50 percent of the American population will be classified as clinically obese by the year 2010. Professors at the University of Kansas, however, are working diligently to prevent this epidemic from spreading.
Joseph E. Donnelly, chair of the Department of Health, Sports and Exercise Science at KU, said his department currently is conducting several studies to look closely at metabolism and physical activity issues. These studies include a five-year aerobic exercise study funded by the National Institutes of Health; a two-year weight lifting study funded by the American Heart Association; and a study to test the effectiveness of drugs such as Xenacal and Meridia, he said.
The department also is working with the University of Kansas Medical Center to sponsor a conference, "The Emerging Epidemic: Strategies for Treating Overweight and Obese Individuals." The conference, set for Oct. 23 and 24 in the Embassy Suites Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., will address treatment issues to an audience of health-care professionals who regularly deal with at-risk patients. It is expected to draw between 100 to 150 health-care professionals, and we hope will become an annual event, said Marilyn Hull, program director.
Furthermore, Donnelly said, the department will unveil its Energy-Balance Lab in January 2000. The lab will use state-of-the-art technology to measure energy intake and energy expenditure parameters of its participants. Results will aid in the understanding and development of weight management programs.
"Most people think that success is measured in immediate weight loss and that's not correct," Donnelly said. "Instead, it's more important to increase energy expenditure resulting in small, but continual changes over time in body weight and body composition."
Dennis Jacobsen, the director of the five-year NIH aerobic exercise program at KU, said his current study is tracking the success of approximately 100 participants. Although the results vary, he said that in every case the program was successful at making otherwise sedentary people increase their fitness and either lose or maintain weight.
Jacobsen said he still has openings in his exercise study. Participants don't have to be enrolled at KU, he said, they just have to maintain a residency in Lawrence until May 2001 and be between 18 and 35 years of age. For more information, contact Jacobsen at (785) 864-0774.
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