Dr. Okihiro's research interests are in the area of childhood obesity and early metabolic risk, especially among children in Hawai'i. She is also interested in the development of obesity and how this issue can be addressed from a clinical and community perspective.
This study will characterize the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Native Hawaiian and Samoan children by determining the prevalence of MetS in a population of children at high risk for obesity, examining laboratory and physical markers associated with MetS and examining the association of factors in pregnancy and early childhood and the development of MetS.
This study evaluates the usage of the weight management tool kit by pediatricians on Oahu and works on implementing a policy to use the toolkit island-wide. The study has financial support in the amount of $100,000 per year for a total of 3 years (2010-2013).