Khalsa Lab

The Khalsa Lab, led by Amrik Singh Khalsa, MD, focuses on reducing disparities and improving outcomes in obesity and its related co-morbidities through family-based prevention interventions. Research activities to date have broadly focused on the role parents have on shaping their child’s diet and lifestyle behaviors in early childhood and its effect on the child’s future risk of obesity and its related co-morbidities, including cardiovascular disease. Dr. Khalsa and his lab work with populations highest at risk for obesity related co-morbidities, including families from low-income households and those from minoritized racial groups.

Meet Our Team

Research

Our Research

Our research seeks to address and reduce health disparities associated with obesity and its related conditions. By examining how parents influence their child's diet and lifestyle from a young age, we aim to prevent the development of obesity and related issues. Our work is especially important for families at higher risk due to socioeconomic challenges and racial minority status, as these groups often face greater health disparities.

We conduct research by recruiting families to complete surveys and participate in focus groups, providing insights into their dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors. Additionally, we engage with communities directly to understand local health challenges and ensure our interventions are relevant and effective. This hands-on approach helps us create practical solutions that address the most pressing issues faced by those at highest risk.

Current Projects

Our Current Projects

PRO-CVD Study
Funded by the NIH, the PRO-CVD study aims to develop and test a visual tool designed to clearly communicate cardiovascular disease risk. This tool is intended to empower families to make positive behavior changes and improve heart health.
Therapeutic Alliance (TA) in Pediatric Weight Management
In collaboration with NCH's Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition, the Therapeutic Alliance in Pediatric Weight Management study aims to understand components of building trust between health care providers and patients to improve engagement with families in pediatric weight management.
Buckeye Institutional Supported Agricultural (ISA) Project
Supported by the Kellogg Foundation, the Buckeye ISA project focuses on evaluating body measurements, dietary habits, and family interactions in those participating in urban community gardens. Click here to watch the program overview video
Summer Harvest Adventure
In partnership with The Ohio State University, the Summer Harvest Adventure project investigates the impact of a family-based gardening program on lifestyle behaviors, changes in the gut microbiome, and overall health outcomes through a randomized controlled trial.