Tackling childhood obesity worldwide

A community health expert from UNT Health Science Center traveled to Mexico last month to address an international conference on the growing problem of childhood obesity and related health concerns.

Heather Kitzman-Ulrich, PhD, Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Community Health, was a featured speaker at the 1st International Childhood Obesity Forum and Diabetes Conference at the University of the State of Mexico, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico, in Toluca.

Richard S. Kurz, PhD, Dean of the School of Public Health, also attended the forum.

The focus of this two-day conference was to address Mexico’s growing concern about childhood obesity and the increasing rates of diabetes. More than 20 speakers from around the world were invited to share their research and propose solutions for reversing these trends, both in Mexico and globally.

Dr. Kitzman-Ulrich spoke on "Community-Based Family Interventions to Reduce Obesity in Hispanic Youth in the United States," showing how her community-based programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are reaching underserved Hispanic families. Additionally, she provided information on ways to get the community involved in addressing health disparities in program implementation and delivery.

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