Research Abstract Oral Presentations - Session One

***SEE BELOW FOR INFORMATION ABOUT EACH RESEARCH ABSTRACT PRESENTATION***

BMI TO BALANCE: NAVIGATING PEDIATRIC WEIGHT AND METABOLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES
Presenter: Neelam Singh, RD

Background: BMI is widely used to assess pediatric growth and health risk, yet it lacks nuance in reflecting body composition and metabolic wellness. Rising rates of obesity and prediabetes in children highlight the need for more holistic, lifestyle-based strategies to achieve and maintain a healthy pediatric BMI.


EFFECTIVENESS OF LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Presenter: Pramod Tripathi, MBBS

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D) that often leads to progressive renal impairment. Although pharmacological treatments are standard, lifestyle interventions may offer additional benefits.


OUTCOMES COMPARISONS OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED TO REDUCE SURGICAL RISKS
Presenter: Heidi Prather, DO

Background: Our institution offers intensive (18-weeks, patients interested in behavioral change) and selective (1 visit, patients not interested in behavior change) lifestyle medicine (LSM) programs based on patient choice to optimize their health prior to knee and hip joint replacement surgery. Feasibility of this LSM application has been reported.


PILOTING THE LEADR PROGRAM FOR DIABETES REMISSION IN AN ENCOCRINOLOGY PRACTICE
Presenter: Prasanthi Tondapu, MD, DipABLM

Background: This presentation will showcase results from a retrospective analysis of the LEADR (Lifestyle Empowerment Approach for Diabetes Remission) program piloted at DFW Endocrinology. The LEADR program is a multidisciplinary lifestyle medicine intervention designed to support type 2 diabetes remission through intensive behavioral change, guided exercise, and nutrition. We will present clinical outcomes from 15 patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in the 16–24-week program. Findings include statistically significant improvements in HbA1c and body weight, with trends toward positive changes in body composition and quality of life. This session will highlight the role of regular, supervised physical activity in metabolic health and demonstrate the feasibility of implementing lifestyle medicine programs in clinical endocrinology practices. Attendees will gain insights into the design, delivery, and impact of structured, patient-centered interventions in real-world settings.


THE INFLUENCE OF LIFESTYLE MEDICINE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ACEs, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL IDEATION
Presenter: Liana B. Abascal, PhD, MPH, DipACLM

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been shown to lead to poor mental health outcomes (Chang et al., 2019; Exley et al., 2015; Petruccelli et al., 2019), and maladaptive behavior in adulthood (Campbell et al., 2015). While this outcome research is well-supported, there is limited research examining potential mediating mechanisms. This study aimed to examine whether lifestyle medicine behaviors, as measured through the six pillars, mediated the relationship between ACEs and depressive symptoms, or ACEs and suicidal ideation.