Research Abstract Oral Presentations - Session Two

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

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

A multidisciplinary pediatric lifestyle program significantly improved body mass index (BMI) and metabolic markers through nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change. The approach emphasizes the importance of healthy eating, family engagement, and adopting sustainable health habits.


Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the limitations of BMI in pediatric nutrition assessment and recognize complementary indicators of metabolic health (e.g., body composition, lab markers).
2. Demonstrate practical, lifestyle-based strategies—including nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral techniques—for managing pediatric overweight and obesity.
3. Apply family-centered, multidisciplinary approaches to support sustainable behavior change in children and adolescents with elevated BMI.


EFFECTIVENESS OF LIFESTYLE INTERVENTION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Presenter: Nidhi Kadam, PhD

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.


Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the key components of an integrated lifestyle intervention—including plant-based nutrition, fasting protocols, physical activity, and psychological support—used to manage type 2 diabetes with coexisting chronic kidney disease (CKD).
2. Interpret improvements in glycemic and renal biomarkers (HbA1c, uACR, eGFR, BMI) to assess the clinical effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in T2D patients with CKD.
3. Demonstrate how lifestyle-based strategies can reduce CKD risk categories and medication dependence, supporting sustainable chronic disease management in clinical practice.


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

Retrospective review of prospectively collected outcomes of a lifestyle medicine program for musculoskeletal health in hip and knee arthroplasty patients in the first 90 days after surgery.


Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the rationale for using lifestyle medicine as a means to provide pre-surgical health optimization for patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty surgery
2. Identify key components of a lifestyle medicine program implemented to optimize the health of orthopedic patients before surgery
3. Explain the benefit of using lifestyle medicine as a programmatic approach for presurgical health optimization to support implementation of a program in their community.


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

This study examined whether lifestyle medicine behaviors, as measured through the six pillars, mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation. Clinical implications include the importance sleep and social support interventions for patients. Lifestyle medicine pillars were assessed in 115 U.S. participants with Rapid Prime Diet Quality Score Screener; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; International Physical Activity Questionnaire; Social Support Questionnaire; Perceived Stress Scale; and the Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription Medication survey. Other measures used included the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire- 9, the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, and the Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale. Both sleep and quality of social support were found to be significant mediators of the relationship between ACES and depressive symptoms. Post hoc analyses suggested that sleep mediation effects were stronger for those who identified as female, medium SES, and Caucasian. None of the six pillars were found to be significant mediators on the relationship between ACES and suicidal ideation. However, for the subgroup that identified as Caucasian, social support satisfaction was found to be a significant mediator of the relationship between ACEs and suicidal ideation


Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the potential links between ACES, maladaptive lifestyle behavior, and poor mental and physical health outcomes.
2. Identify common measures for assessment of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine.
3. Discuss interventions to use with patients who have a more significant history of trauma.