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Director’s Message
There has
been a 300-500% increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity
in Canada over the past couple of generations. The etiology of
the condition varies by genotype and phenotype but it is
generally believed that changes in physical activity and eating
behaviours have precipitated this global pandemic. Systematic
and progressive changes to the built and social environments
have produced conditions that encourage overeating and sedentary
behaviours. Biological, social and environmental factors
contributing to this growing problem are complex and
interconnected, and best examined using a multidisciplinary
approach.
The
increase in the prevalence and severity of childhood obesity in
all areas of Canada has created increased demand for clinical
care to address physical, mental and emotional co-morbidities.
With this increased clinical demand emerged limitations and
deficiencies in the availability of services, including
sub-optimal physician training, insufficient pediatric obesity
specialists, inadequate treatment options, under-developed
models of care delivery, inadequate prevention initiatives and
insufficient resources.
The
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and the Children’s
Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute (CHEO-RI) have
been concerned about, and interested in, childhood obesity for
some time. An active research program in this area has been in
place for several years. Responding to the individual, familial,
community and societal call for help, the CHEO-RI recently made
a strategic decision to invest further in childhood obesity
research. This further investment included a commitment of
resources for research and support staff, office and laboratory
space, and office and research infrastructure. The CHEO-RI is
committed to the development of a “Centre of Excellence” in
childhood obesity research.
In October 2007 the newly expanded obesity research group held a
strategic planning retreat to map out the future structure,
function and priorities for this new group called the CHEO-RI
“Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group” (HALO). The
HALO Research Group is comprised of research scientists,
clinicians, research staff, administrative support, and graduate
and practicum students. Details of the HALO vision, mission,
lines of business, structure, staff and research are provided in
this first
Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group
Annual Report.
As the inaugural Director of the Healthy Active Living and
Obesity Research Group at the CHEO-RI, it is my pleasure to
provide you with
this first annual report. In collaboration with
our partners, we have accepted the challenge to overcome the
clinical and public health challenges of childhood obesity and
inactivity. We look forward to your ongoing support and
involvement in our quest to preserve, enhance and restore the
health and wellness of our most precious resource, our children.
Dr.
Mark Tremblay
Director of Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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