Pennington Biomedical’s Greaux Healthy Initiative Addresses Childhood Obesity as It Tours Houma-Thibodaux Region

January 26,  2026 · Baton Rouge, LA

---

Sharing Evidence-Based Educational Resources with Healthcare Providers, Educators, Business Leaders and Families

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s Greaux Healthy initiative is set to embark on a significant outreach tour throughout the Houma-Thibodaux region January 26-30. As childhood obesity rates in Louisiana rank among the highest in the nation, the Greaux Healthy initiative seeks to engage local education, healthcare, business, and government leaders in a collaborative effort to address this pressing health crisis.

“Our children’s health is too precious to wait. We must act now,” says Melissa Martin, Director of Greaux Healthy. “Childhood obesity is a national healthcare crisis that demands our immediate attention. Through Greaux Healthy, we are raising awareness, expanding access to evidence-based solutions, equipping educators and healthcare providers with tools to support prevention, and building community partnerships that empower families to take charge of their health and create a brighter future for generations to come.”

Martin also pointed to a recent survey Greaux Healthy conducted which found that Louisiana residents rank childhood obesity as the top health concern for kids, above smoking/vaping, mental health, diabetes and high blood pressure, highlighting the disease’s significance and widespread impact. “Without intervention, nearly 7 in 10 children with obesity are likely to enter adulthood with obesity,” Martin said.

The Greaux Healthy initiative, developed in partnership with the State of Louisiana, aims to furnish communities with essential tools and programs grounded in over 35 years of research from Pennington Biomedical. The initiative focuses on four key populations: expectant families and parents of infants, preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and teens and young adults.

During the tour, the Greaux Healthy team will showcase various resources available to local stakeholders, including programs for schools, evidence-based practices for healthcare providers and education for families. Special emphasis will be placed on the Pennington Generation research study, which invites families in the Houma-Thibodaux area to play an active role in exploring how lifestyle factors influence childhood health and development. The study aims to enroll 1,500 families across Louisiana to gain deeper insight into how chronic diseases impact individuals, families, and communities across the state.

To support Greaux Health and Pennington Generation efforts, the Healthy Moves bus will be making a visit to the St. Mary Parish Health Unit on January 28 at 9:30 a.m. (1200 David Dr. in Morgan City). Families across the region are encouraged to attend.

“The Greaux Healthy tour is a crucial step in educating our communities on the resources available to combat childhood obesity,” adds Martin. “Together, we can ensure that all of Louisiana’s families and children have healthier futures.”

About Greaux Healthy 
Greaux Healthy is an evidence-based public service initiative by LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center in partnership with the State of Louisiana focused on preventing and treating childhood obesity in Louisiana. Drawing from over 35 years of scientific research, Greaux Healthy creates evidence-based tools, resources, and programs that promote better health for children of all ages. Each component of the initiative serves as a guide to empower families, educators, healthcare providers, and communities with proven practices to prevent and treat childhood obesity. By fostering collaboration and providing practical solutions, Greaux Healthy is working to create a healthier future for Louisiana’s children. Learn more at www.greauxhealthy.org.