KL2 Spotlight: Bethany Forseth, Ph.D., University of Kansas Medical Center

By Kelly Hale, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Jul 02, 2024

Project Title: Developing and refining a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial to support healthy weight for child with overweight and obesity in rural areas.

Project Summary: Bethany Forseth’s research aims to: 1) identify and meet the needs of non-responders early in a pediatric obesity treatment by adapting an existing family-based behavioral obesity treatment and creating new intervention components for a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial, and 2) collect feedback from the target population (e.g. children 8-12 years old and their families who are non-responders in a treatment) on the new treatment plan.

Bethany Forseth, Ph.D., has a background in exercise physiology and assessment of physical activity. Her Ph.D. work in health sciences highlighted the link between health behaviors and overall health, including the reduction of chronic and cardiovascular disease.

Initially focused on older adults, Forseth aimed to address the high prevalence rates of obesity, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease. Realizing these chronic health conditions start earlier in life, she turned her attention to childhood obesity interventions.

“I did my postdoctoral work at KU Medical Center and during that time, I started understanding pediatric obesity and treatments and interventions,” explained Forseth. “During this time, there was a job opening here and I applied. I was fortunate enough to move into a faculty position in the physical therapy, rehabilitation sciences and athletic training department.”

Three years ago, Forseth applied for the Frontiers TL1 Training program but declined the offer upon receiving a T32 Award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Later, the supportive environment at KUMC Frontiers drew her to the KL2 Program.

“I really like feeling valued and that my institution is supporting me with the KL2 program, it really feels like they are saying we believe you have potential,” she said. “We recognize your potential and want to invest in you to help you get to the next level, and I appreciate that.”

Forseth’s research is driven by a desire to help kids lead healthier, more active lifestyles. And as part of having a healthier lifestyle, benefits can also be observed in improved sleep and reduced stress, and hopefully reductions in weight and risk factors for other health conditions.

Forseth looks forward to gaining further training and guidance as she continues her career.

“Researchers know we need to apply for grants and get to an NIH R01, but what steps must happen to get that funding? There’s a lot of pieces you need to figure out,” said Forseth. “I’m also looking forward to getting different perspectives from the other scholars on how they approach their work, but maybe there is also a way we can collaborate.”

Forseth emphasizes the importance of institutional support and collaboration in advancing one's research career. She looks forward to contributing to a healthier future for children through her innovative research and continued professional development.