Marilyn Townsend

Marilyn Townsend is a distinguished Professor of Nutrition at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Davis. Her academic journey and professional endeavors have been deeply rooted in addressing the critical issues surrounding pediatric obesity, with a particular emphasis on Spanish-speaking immigrant families with young children in the United States. Her research is characterized by a commitment to developing and validating reliable tools for obesity risk assessment and prevention strategies. Dr. Townsend has made significant contributions to the field through her studies on the reliability and validity of tools designed to measure food-related parenting practices. Her work extends to exploring the feasibility of integrating nutrition education programs into medical clinic settings, aiming to curb the rising tide of pediatric obesity. Her research is instrumental in validating obesity risk assessment tools specifically tailored for low-income Spanish-speaking immigrant parents, ensuring that these tools are both culturally sensitive and effective. In addition to her focus on assessment tools, Dr. Townsend has investigated the impact of food-related behaviors on BMI z-scores in low-income preschoolers. Her findings have provided valuable insights into the complex interplay between dietary habits and childhood obesity, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in this vulnerable population. Dr. Townsend's innovative approach has led to the development of novel tools for assessing feeding styles and dietary behaviors among low-income families. Her work is particularly focused on improving the dietary quality of low-income women in California, recognizing the pivotal role that maternal nutrition plays in shaping the health outcomes of the next generation. Her dedication to advancing the field of nutrition and her commitment to improving the lives of underserved communities have earned her recognition and respect among her peers. Through her research, Dr. Townsend continues to pave the way for effective obesity prevention strategies, contributing to a healthier future for children and families across the nation.