About

Elsie M. Taveras, M.D., M.P.H., is the Conrad Taff Professor of Pediatrics in the Department of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. She serves as Chief of the Division of General Academic Pediatrics and Director of Pediatric Population Health Management at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Taveras is also a Professor of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her main focus of research is understanding determinants of obesity in women and children and developing interventions across the lifecourse to prevent obesity and chronic diseases, especially in underserved populations. Her work spans observational studies and interventions to identify, quantify, and modify risk factors for health promotion and disease prevention. She has published over 150 research studies and served on Committees for the National Academy of Medicine to develop recommendations for the prevention of obesity in early life and for evaluating the progress of national obesity prevention efforts. Her research in early life origins of childhood obesity was recognized as one of the most influential studies of 2010 by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and was included in the White House Task Force Report on Childhood Obesity in May 2010. Dr. Taveras has received extensive research funding from multiple federal and foundation sources and was awarded the Public Health Leadership in Medicine Award from the Massachusetts Association of Public Health in 2016 for her work in improving health and health care in community-based settings.

Research topics

• Environmental health
• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Endocrinology
• Psychiatry
• Demography
• Pediatrics
• Gerontology

Selected publications

• Qualitative Study to Inform Social Context-Informed Treatment of Children With Obesity

  Academic Pediatrics · 2026-02-19

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Caregiver and Pediatrician Perspectives on a Meal Kit Delivery Program for Children With Food Insecurity and Obesity: A Qualitative Analysis

  Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics · 2025-04-06 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Implementation and Effectiveness of the Healthy Weight Clinic Type III Hybrid Trial: Massachusetts CORD 3.0

  Childhood Obesity · 2025-10-30

  article

  Background: There is a pressing need to provide evidence-based treatment for obesity to millions of children. We sought to implement and evaluate the packaged Healthy Weight Clinic (HWC), a primary care-based Family Healthy Weight Program (FHWP) delivering Intensive Health Behavior and Lifestyle Treatment. Methods: We conducted a Type III hybrid effectiveness–implementation study in four health care organizations affiliated with eight primary care clinics. Sites received provider training, technical assistance, and participated in a virtual learning community with quality improvement. Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) implementation frameworks were used to evaluate implementation via quantitative and qualitative methods. Children with a BMI ≥85th percentile were eligible to participate in the effectiveness trial. A group of 5990 children with a BMI ≥ 95th percentile receiving care at the eight health centers but not participating in the HWC served as the comparison group. Results: The packaged HWC reached 191 children. The HWC was effective in reducing BMI −0.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.47, −0.04), percentage of the median −1.87 (95% CI: −3.09, −0.64), and %BMIp95 −1.05 (95% CI: −1.97, −0.13) compared with comparisons. Seven of the eight sites were able to adopt all the components of the program except the texting campaign and sustain the program 18 months after training. Qualitative themes contextualized implementation findings, highlighting barriers and facilitators. Conclusions: The HWC is a promising FHWP that can improve health for children with overweight and obesity. The implementation package can facilitate the adoption across diverse primary care settings in the United States.

  PublisherDOI

• Identifying intervention points to increase the diversity of a research partnership for cancer equity: a descriptive social network analysis

  Translational Behavioral Medicine · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Effective cancer prevention interventions are not equitably implemented, particularly in healthcare settings serving underserved populations. Engaging a diverse range of partners, especially those involved in frontline care, is critical for advancing equity-focused implementation. Research networks that include community-based providers can help co-create knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and drive system-level change. PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the composition and structure of the Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control Equity (ISCCCE) partnership to identify opportunities for enhancing engagement, increasing diversity, and strengthening collaboration in cancer prevention research. METHODS: A descriptive social network analysis was conducted to examine the ISCCCE partnership and identify areas for enhanced engagement. Network demographics and characteristics were analyzed across collaboration-type subnetworks using the Implementation Science Centers for Cancer Control and ISCCCE network survey data. RESULTS: The baseline network consisted of 27 respondents, most in faculty roles (55%), with 15+ years of experience (48%). Most identified as non-Hispanic White (63%) and female (70%). The overall network density was 61%, with subnetwork densities ranging from 13% (scientific dissemination) to 55% (planning/conducting research). Centralization was moderate overall (0.3), with certain subnetworks more centralized. CONCLUSIONS: The network demonstrated strong connectivity in research planning but weaker ties in dissemination and capacity building. To strengthen impact, efforts should focus on engaging trainees and partners more deeply, increasing demographic diversity, and fostering inclusive collaboration. These insights inform practice (e.g. strengthening FQHC partnerships), policy (e.g. funding diverse networks), and research (e.g. leveraging social network analysis to improve equity in implementation science).

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Corrigendum to “Engaging fathers in the first 1000 days to improve perinatal outcomes and prevent obesity: Rationale and design of the First Heroes randomized trial,” [Contemp Clin Trials 101 (2021) 106253]

  Contemporary Clinical Trials · 2025-12-17

  erratumOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Evaluating Telehealth Quality Outcomes of a Pediatric Weight Management Program

  Telemedicine Journal and e-Health · 2025-10-20

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  OBJECTIVE: To examine the extent to which patient-level characteristics are associated with telehealth quality outcomes (representing economic, functional, and equity outcomes) for children with obesity seen in primary care. METHODS: We evaluated the Connect for Health pediatric weight management program adapted for telehealth in an academic medical center in Boston, MA. Patient-level characteristics included insurance type, status of the social determinants of health screener, and preferred language. The outcomes were body mass index (BMI) documentation, Connect for Health tool usage, and mode of visit. We conducted multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 417 children who had a telehealth visit. Children had a mean (SD) age of 7.1 (2.9) years, 72% had public insurance, 35% spoke a language other than English, and 24% had one or more social risk factors. Children with public insurance, compared to private insurance, had higher odds of having their BMI documented (odds ratio [OR]: 3.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 9.34), having had a clinician use the Connect for Health tools (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.16-3.74), and having an audio-only visit (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.14-3.27). Children with social risk factors, compared to no risk factors, had higher odds of having their BMI documented (OR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.02-11.07). Children with a preferred language other than English compared to English had higher odds of having an audio-only visit (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.18-2.99). CONCLUSION: We found associations between telehealth quality outcomes and children having public insurance, social risk factors, and a preferred language other than English. The findings suggest that telehealth programs can be developed to overcome known health disparities and achieve high-quality care.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Estimated Costs and Cost-Effectiveness of a Pediatric Weight Management Program

  JAMA Network Open · 2025-05-14 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Importance: Childhood obesity remains a significant public health challenge, with ongoing racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in its prevention and treatment. Economic evaluations of pediatric obesity interventions are essential for guiding resource allocation in health care settings. Objective: To develop and analyze a simulation model of the Connect for Health program to estimate the costs of implementing the program and assess its cost-effectiveness. Design, Setting, and Participants: This economic evaluation used a Markov cohort model based on the Connect for Health randomized clinical trial (RCT) conducted from June 2014 through March 2016 and the Connect for Health implementation study conducted at 2 academic medical centers in Boston, MA. The study first estimated costs of implementation for new sites, and then simulated program implementation in a cohort that mirrored the RCT population. Data were analyzed from October 2023 to March 2025. Exposure: The Connect for Health pediatric weight management program. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes include costs associated with program implementation and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Results: This study used a cohort of 2494 individuals to mirror the RCT population and included 1178 female participants (47%), a mean (SD) age of 8.0 (3.0) years, and a mean (SD) body mass index z score of 1.91 (0.56). The costs of implementing the Connect for Health program in primary care settings were estimated at $58 000 in 1-time startup costs and $1300 in ongoing monthly costs. The economic model showed that the Connect for Health strategy had an ICER of $10 554 per QALY gained over 2 years compared with no intervention. The study found a threshold of 534 children in a cohort was needed to effectively amortize costs. Conclusions and Relevance: In this economic evaluation of a pediatric weight management program, the Connect for Health program was estimated to be cost-effective. These findings are important for health care systems that serve children who are less likely to receive obesity-related care in making decisions about program adoption.

  PublisherDOI

• Actigraphy-measured sleep and growth trajectories during the first two years of life: longitudinal evidence from a birth cohort

  SLEEP · 2025-12-03

  articleSenior author

  STUDY OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine associations between changes in objectively measured sleep characteristics and growth trajectories, as well as risk of rapid weight gain (RWG) and overweight in infants. METHODS: The study analyzed data from 298 healthy term infants (48.7% boys) in the Sleep Health in Infancy & Early Childhood (Rise & SHINE) birth cohort, with sleep measured by actigraphy at 1 and 6 months. Changes in nighttime sleep duration, fragmentation (wake after sleep onset [WASO], waking bouts, sleep efficiency), and regularity (sleep regularity index [SRI]) were examined as exposures. Growth trajectory parameters-size, tempo, and velocity-were modeled from repeated anthropometric measurements using SuperImposition by Translation and Rotation (SITAR), and weight outcomes at 24 months included RWG and overweight. Associations between sleep changes and growth outcomes were examined using linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS: In adjusted models, a 1-hour increase in WASO between 1 and 6 months was associated with greater weight size (β = 0.093; 95% CI, 0.019 to 0.166), as well as higher odds of RWG (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.02 to 6.07) and overweight (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.16 to 6.16). A 5% decrease in sleep efficiency was associated with greater weight size (β = 0.059; 95% CI, 0.020 to 0.099) and slower weight velocity(β = -10.013; 95% CI, -18.693 to -1.332). A 5% decrease in the SRI was associated with later length tempo (β = 0.004; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.007). No associations were observed for sleep changes with weight-for-length trajectories. CONCLUSIONS: Early sleep patterns may serve as a modifiable factor in preventing future obesity. Statement of Significance Infant sleep changes rapidly in the first two years, and early disturbances have been linked to outcomes such as obesity. Yet few studies have examined how objectively measured multidimensional sleep changes shape growth trajectories. Using actigraphy data from 1 to 6 months, this study found that greater sleep fragmentation (measured by WASO and sleep efficiency) was associated with larger weight size and higher odds of RWG and overweight at age 2. Decreases in sleep efficiency were also linked to slower weight velocity, while decreases in sleep regularity were associated with later length tempo. These findings suggest that improving infant sleep may help normalize growth and reduce later obesity risk. Future research should explore modifiable factors and guide early strategies to support healthy sleep and growth.

  PublisherDOI

• Development and application of a cost tool for a primary care‐based intensive health behaviour and lifestyle treatment

  Pediatric Obesity · 2025-06-18 · 4 citations

  article

  OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the development and application of a cost tool to help predict return on investment and sustainability of the Healthy Weight Clinic Family Healthy Weight Program (FHWP) through insurance reimbursement. METHODS: Case studies to apply the cost tool were conducted with 3 sites to assess the break-even point for clinic patient volume (i.e., financial neutral point: operational costs = revenue) during implementation. Financial neutral points were based on average reimbursement rates per health centre. RESULTS: The annual fixed cost of the intervention ranged from $65 252 to $79 024. The average revenue ranged from $806-$1663 per patient through medical reimbursement, and the clinics needed to care for an average of 37-81 patients annually to break even. CONCLUSIONS: Use of an adaptable cost tool that captures reimbursement of clinical provider time and a minimum stream of clinical volume can equip decision-makers in planning financially to implement and sustain a clinically based FHWP.

  PublisherDOI

• Evaluating the Impact of Low Threshold Bridge Clinic Expansion on Equitable Access to Substance Use Disorder Treatment

  Journal of Addiction Medicine · 2025-10-07

  article

  OBJECTIVES: Racial inequities in substance use disorder treatment, and specifically buprenorphine treatment, contribute to overdose inequities. Bridge Clinics are a low-threshold, transitional treatment model that may improve treatment access. This report assesses the change in visit volume for Black and Hispanic patients and those with limited English proficiency (LEP) after the implementation of the Bridge Clinic expansion across 4 distinct sites. METHODS: Between October 2021 and 2023, 3 hospital-based Bridge Clinics were expanded, and a community-based Bridge Clinic was established, all in regions with high racial and language inequities in overdose mortality. Implementation included creating Bridge Clinic performance measures, which were reviewed with clinic leadership monthly, developing a toolkit, and launching mobile services. We present Bridge Clinic visit volume aggregated by calendar year for Black-non Hispanic, Hispanic (any race), and LEP patients. We calculated the percent of total visits for each patient group and assessed the change over time. RESULTS: Comparing 2021 to 2023, total visits increased from 5323 to 10,350, and unique patients increased from 1893 to 3316. Annual visits increased from 437 to 1151 visits for Black patients; 566 to 1609 for Hispanic patients; and 96 to 265 for LEP patients. The percent of visits grew significantly for Black (8.21% vs. 10.24%, P<0.001), Hispanic (10.63% vs. 15.55%, P<0.001) and LEP patients (1.80% vs. 2.56%, P=0.003) from 2021 to 2023. CONCLUSIONS: Expanding low-barrier Bridge Clinics may increase substance use disorder (SUD) treatment visits for Black and Hispanic patients and those with LEP.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Sheryl L. Rifas–Shiman

  Harvard University

  389 shared

• Matthew W. Gillman

  Office of the Director

  367 shared

• Julie Obbagy

  Food and Nutrition Service

  337 shared

• Ronald E. Kleinman

  Massachusetts General Hospital

  336 shared

• Gisela Butera

  National Cancer Institute

  331 shared

• Kathryn G. Dewey

  University of California, Davis

  330 shared

• Rachel Novotny

  University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

  327 shared

• Jamie Stang

  324 shared

Awards & honors

• Public Health Leadership in Medicine Award from the Massachu…