Nutritional Disorders and Obesity
The Center for Nutritional Disorders and Obesity (CENDO) was created to address the pressing health issues related to obesity in the pediatric population. The Center will ultimately contain diagnostic and treatment programs, research initiatives, and prevention and educational programs. The current primary focus of CENDO is to operationalize clinical services that will incorporate state-of-the-art medical care, dietary input, exercise opportunities, and behavior modification. The Duke Healthy Lifestyles Program is a clinic-based evaluation and treatment program available for overweight children and their families.
Treatments
The Duke Children's Healthy Lifestyles Program
The Healthy Lifestyles Program is a six-month, intensive, family-centered lifestyle management intervention designed by the faculty and staff at Duke Children's Division of Primary Care for families with overweight children aged 0-18. Any child whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is at or above the 85th percentile meets the national standards for being at-risk or overweight and should be evaluated by a physician. Click on this link to see if your child is at risk.
Healthy Lifestyles is based on the latest evidence for creating and achieving realistic goals for optimal weight to reduce risk for cardiovascular disease.
What to Expect
At your first visit to our clinic in northern Durham, a physician specializing in pediatric weight management will provide a sensitive, family-centered assessment of the medical and emotional complications associated with obesity and will begin treatment in cooperation with your child's regular doctor. Our licensed dietician will complete an individual nutritional and exercise analysis and will work with children and families to create solid, healthy eating and activity habits. A case manager will be ready to identify opportunities for physical activity in your neighborhood and work with you to create an environment for your children that is fun, active, and safe.
After the initial screening, you will be asked to participate in three weekly group sessions with our clinical psychologist to learn parenting strategies such as setting limits, recognizing and breaking unhealthy eating habits, and reinforcing good behavior. You and your child will meet monthly with our team at the clinic to monitor progress, continue to evaluate and treat medical problems, and offer support. At each of these monthly visits, we will focus on one evidence-based "lesson," which will lead to a healthier lifestyle for your family. You will also learn the "nuts and bolts" of what to buy, how to prepare a healthy meal, and how to live well in the context of today's busy lifestyle. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and devise a personalized plan that is right for you!
Our patented intervention is called High Five for Fitness™ and is based on the following five strategies:
- Rethink your drink! Choose healthy beverages.
- Minimize screen time! Limit to less than two hours a day.
- Be active for 60 minutes a day.
- Sleep for health! Learn how much sleep you need and how to make that a reality.
- Eat right-sized family meals at home! Learn portion sizes and easy, healthy recipes.
Physicians and Staff
Physicians
| Name | Areas of Special Interest |
|---|---|
| Sarah C. Armstrong, MD | Specialize in causes, complications, and treatment of pediatric obesity working alongside local, state, and national leaders addressing the obesity epidemic |
| Robert W. Benjamin, MD | Disorders of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, disorders of sexual differentiation, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia |
| Michael S. Freemark, MD | Pediatric endocrinology, hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, disorders of growth, thyroid function, and sexual development, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance |
| Andrea M. Haqq, MD | General pediatric endocrinology, hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction, disorders of growth, thyroid function, sexual development, diabetes mellitus, Prader-Willi syndrome, and childhood obesity |
| Nancy L. Zucker, PhD | Research laboratory focused on the development of novel treatments for individuals with eating disorders or children who struggle with weight management with particular focus in the integration of family members into effective treatment strategies |
Staff
| Name | Areas of Special Interest |
|---|---|
| Jenny Favret, RD | Dietician specializing in eating disorders in children and teenagers, including binge eating disorder and bulimia. Extensive experience and success in helping overweight children and their families. |
| Kimberly Yancey | Program Coordinator |
Clinic Hours and Location
4020 North Roxboro Street
Durham, NC 27704
Tel: 919-620-5356 or 1-866-530-5356
Fax: 919-471-6930
Appointments: 919-668-4000
Hours
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Appointments and Contact Information
To serve our patients and referring physicians, faculty physicians covering pediatric weight management are always on call to answer questions and provide consultation.
- For new and return appointments, please call 919-668-4000. **
- For urgent calls during business hours, call the divisional office at 919-620-5356 or 866-530-5356.
- For urgent calls after business hours, on weekends, or on holidays, please call 919-684-8111 and ask the operator to page the pediatric weight management specialist on call.
- For physicians requesting consultations or making referrals, please call the division office at 919-620-5356 or 866-530-5356 and speak with Kim. You may also contact the Duke Consultation and Referral Center at 800-MED-DUKE (800-633-3853).
**Please ensure that the following fasting labs (FASTING Insulin, Lipid Panel, CMP, TSH, HbA1c, and Urine microalbumin) are completed before the patient's appointment and faxed to 919-471-6930, Attn: Kim Yancey.
Duke Resources
Articles
- Thinning a Generation
- Duke Experts Help Kids Avoid Summer Eating Pitfalls
- Healthy Lifestyles Program: The Answer to Childhood Obesity
- Childhood Obesity: A Growing Crisis
- A Weighty Problem
- Raising Kids in an Overweight Nation
- Helping Children Make Healthy Choices
