Project EAT: Eating and Attitudes in Teens

Project EAT: Eating and Attitudes in Teens

Research suggests there is a connection between mood and weight. People who feel stressed or depressed are more likely to be overweight than people who don't have these feelings. Some individuals turn to food to cope, which can lead to gaining too much weight over time. Adolescence is an important time to understand these connections. Patterns of handling stress learned during adolescence set the stage for stress management in adulthood. This study is a randomized controlled pilot study with 60 adolescents who are at-risk for future, chronic obesity. The investigators will test if taking part in a 6-week group program to lower stress and improve mood will be helpful to teens at-risk.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 12-17 years
• At-risk for long-term obesity by virtue of current BMI (≥70th percentile for age and sex) or obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) in both biological parents
• Good general health

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current full-syndrome psychiatric disorder that in the investigators' opinion would impede study compliance
• Major medical problem such as type 2 diabetes
• Use of medication affecting mood or body weight such as stimulants or anti-depressants
• Any medical issues that could be acutely worsened by exercise such as asthma or musculoskeletal problems.
• Pregnancy in females