Brian E Saelens, PhD

Pronouns: He/Him/His
Brian E Saelens, PhD

Specialties

"I work to find opportunities and build evidence around ways children and adults can be more physically active and eat more healthfully. Although simple behaviors to understand, it is complex environments, policies, and household and individual factors that influence these behaviors. We need to work at all these levels to help all children, adults, and families be most healthy."

  • Biography

    Brian E. Saelens, PhD, is a professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington and principal investigator at Seattle Children's Research Institute. Dr. Saelens came to Seattle in 2006, having started his faculty career at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in 2000. Dr. Saelens is trained as a clinical/health psychologist, with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Cornell University and a master's degree and PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Saelens' research interests include pediatric obesity treatment and prevention. His work examines strategies to improve the efficacy and reach of family-based weight management interventions for youth with already elevated weight status. He also explores how environmental factors and policies influence physical activity and eating behaviors in children and adults. He collaborates with community partners and local public health practitioners to help implement policy, systems, and environment change around healthy eating and active living. His work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, CDC, USDA, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. As of 2024, he has authored over 290 peer-reviewed scientific publications.

    Board Certification(s)

    Clinical Psychology

    Education

    State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY

    Research Description

    I conduct research in environmental influences on physical activity and eating behaviors and on the psychosocial factors that influence individual choice for weight-related behaviors. This work includes examining how the neighborhood environment impacts weight status, physical activity and dietary behaviors across the lifespan. I also work in the evaluation and improvement of family-based pediatric weight management interventions.

    Research Focus Area

    Behavioral / Mental Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

  • Related Resources

    • Saelens Lab

      Saelens Lab

      Dr. Saelens conducts research in environmental influences on physical activity and eating behaviors and on the psychosocial factors that influence individual choice for weight-related behaviors. He also works in the evaluation and improvement of family-based behavioral treatment for pediatric overweight.

  • Patient Testimonials

    • {{ testimonial.displayName }}
      {{ testimonial.location }}
      {{ formatTestimonialDate(testimonial.date) }}

      {{ testimonial.testimony }}

  • Awards and Honors

    Award Name Award Description Awarded By Award Date
    {{ award.name }} {{ award.description }} {{ award.organization }} {{ award.displayDate }}

  • Publications

  • Presentations

    Presentation Title Event Location Date
    {{ presentation.title }} {{ presentation.presentedAt }} {{ presentation.location }} {{ presentation.displayDate }}

  • Research Funding

    Grant Title Grantor Amount Award Date
    {{ funding.title }} {{ funding.grantedBy }} {{ funding.amount }} {{ funding.displayDate }}

  • Clinical Trials and Research Studies

    {{ item.t }}

    {{ item.st }}

    {{ item.obj }}

    Condition(s): {{ item.con }} Phase: {{ item.ph }} Clinicaltrials.gov ID: {{ item.nct }}

    No clinical trials found for Brian E Saelens, PhD.