Join the Pennington Generation.
Help us take a big step forward for Louisiana children and families.
Who can participate in the study?
We’re looking for people from across Louisiana. You and your family members may be able to join the study if you currently live in Louisiana and meet ANY of the descriptions below:
Children or young adults from birth through 24 years old
Adults ages 25 years and older who are:
- An immediate family member of someone who has joined the study, OR
- Trying to have a baby, OR
- Pregnant or have a partner who is pregnant
Click the button below to answer some questions about your family and get started!
How does it work?
Families who join Pennington Generation will complete a study visit at the beginning of the study and follow-up visits once a year throughout life. The first study visit will be conducted in your local area in the Pennington Biomedical Mobile Health Unit. Yearly study visits may be conducted online only (through online surveys) or include additional measurements if the Mobile Health Unit is in your area. The table below shows what will happen at each study visit:
| Item | First Visit | Yearly Visits |
|---|---|---|
| Surveys | Yes | Yes |
| Height (or length for infants) | Yes | When possible* |
| Weight | Yes | When possible* |
| Waist circumference | Yes | When possible* |
| Body fat (ages 5 & up) | Yes | When possible* |
| Grip strength (ages 5 & up) | Yes | When possible* |
| Saliva sample (optional) | Yes |
*When the Mobile Health Unit is in your area.
Why are we doing this?
Louisiana children are at high risk of developing obesity and other serious health problems that can follow them into adulthood. Research studies like Pennington Generation help us learn important new information on the behaviors and health of Louisiana children, young adults and their families. We will use what we learn to help create effective programs that improve children's health and development over time. You will see these efforts come to life in communities across Louisiana through the Greaux Healthy initiative.
Meet the study director.
Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk leads the Pennington Generation research program. He is a Professor and Associate Executive Director for Population and Public Health Sciences at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Katzmarzyk is recognized internationally for his work in the physical activity and obesity field, and he has conducted large clinical and population-based studies for more than 20 years.