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.

Recent News

Brock Hoffman 08
  • Community
|Nov 24, 2025

Cowboys’ Brock Hoffman honors wife’s UNT Health PA program through NFL’s ‘My Cause My Cleats’ initiative

When Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Brock Hoffman takes the field for warm-ups before Sunday’s game against the Eagles, his cleats will carry a message far bigger than football. As part of the NFL’s annual “My Cause My Cleats” campaign, Hoffman has chosen to honor his wife, Abbey Montoy...
Ab97cf99 8f28 4b5f 8ad9 F54ee30a0022
  • Community
|Nov 14, 2025

UNT Health welcomes new research director to North Texas Eye Research Institute

A former scientific project and alliance manager at the Allen Institute for Brain Science in Seattle recently was named the new director of research for UNT Health Fort Worth’s North Texas Eye Research Institute, guiding its next phase of growth and innovation. David Vumbaco, Ph.D., started h...
Img 3423
  • Community
|Nov 14, 2025

UNT Health’s marketing and communications initiatives earn top honors at PRSA Worthy Awards

UNT Health Fort Worth’s marketing and communications staff members were recognized among the region’s best at the 2025 PRSA Worthy Awards Gala, earning multiple honors for creative storytelling and strategic impact. Presented on Nov. 7 by the Greater Fort Worth Chapter of the Public Relations S...
Img 3670
  • Community
|Nov 13, 2025

Report shows attending TCOM the most affordable in the nation

A recent report published by the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine showed the cost of producing some of the top primary care physicians in the nation might surprise you, as UNT Health at Fort Worth’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine was among the most affordable in the ...