Pediatric Obesity: A Review of the Current Guidelines

Andie Lee Gonzalez, PhD, MPH, RDN, FAND

Senior Medical Science Liaison
Global Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Palmview, TX, USA

Andie Lee Gonzalez is a Medical Science Liaison with the Pediatric MSL Team. Dr Gonzalez earned a bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition, a Master in Public Health (MPH) and clinical Dietetic training at Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan. Her undergraduate and graduate work focused on nutrition and migrant farmworker children health. She completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

Her previous roles included inpatient and outpatient counseling for adults and pediatric patients. She was an adjunct Community Nutrition Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, South Texas College, and served as an AmeriCorps-Health Corps member. Dr Gonzalez also serves in various community nutrition-focused local and national organizations. A few roles include President-Elect for the Texas Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Advocacy Liaison for the Latinos and Hispanics in Dietetics and Nutrition, and chair for Grants and Awards with the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group.

Jillian Hyttenhove, MA, RD, CSOWM, LD, CHES

Medical Affairs & External Engagement Liaison 
Global Medical Affairs & Research 
Abbott Nutrition 
Columbus, OH, USA

Jillian Hyttenhove is a Medical Affairs & External Engagement Liaison at Abbott Nutrition. Prior to joining Abbott, she worked in corporate wellness for several large national and global companies. 

Jillian completed her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics at Bowling Green State University and her dietetic internship at East Carolina University. She went on to complete her Master of Arts in Health Education at East Carolina University as well. Following the completion of her dietetic internship, she served as the lead outpatient dietitian for all outpatient services at a community hospital in North Carolina. She then collaborated with a lead obesity specialist to create a comprehensive weight management program at the University of North Carolina, where she also served as a research dietitian on clinical trials.

Jillian is a Registered Dietitian, a Board-Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management, and a Board-Certified Specialist in Health Education.

Lauren Spain, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, FAND

Medical Science Liaison
Global Medical Affairs & Research
Abbott Nutrition
Austin, TX, USA   

Dr Lauren Spain is a dedicated nutrition professional with extensive experience in leadership, research, and wellness. She currently serves as a Medical Science Liaison in Medical Affairs & Research at Abbott’s Nutrition Division. Her expertise spans pediatric nutrition, wellness programming, and public health initiatives.   

Dr Spain earned her PhD in Nutrition and Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Georgia. She completed her dietetic internship at Emory University Hospital and worked as a Clinical Dietitian prior to obtaining her PhD. Her research focused on protein sources and their effects on pediatric bone health and cognitive function. She previously served as Associated Department Head for Undergraduate Programs at Texas A&M University where she oversaw curriculum and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses.   

Dr Spain is active within the nutrition community and has held multiple leadership roles including serving as delegate to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) for the Nutrition Educators for Health Professionals Dietetics Practice Group and President of the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She recently began her tenure as Director-at-Large for the AND in June 2025. 

Dr Spain is an accomplished speaker and clinician, committed to driving innovative care in nutrition, health, and wellness.