The CORE

The Center for Obesity and Well-Being Research Excellence (CORE) is a research centre at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, located on Syilx Okanagan Nation Territory and directed by Dr. Lesley Lutes. Supported by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund, and the Frank C. Diener Foundation, CORE develops evidence-based mental and behavioural interventions to improve health and inform policy.

Its research includes integrating psychological care into primary care, with attention to access, health outcomes, patient and provider experiences, clinician training, and program effectiveness. CORE also advocates for equitable access to comprehensive psychological services and evaluates suicide and mental health screening, discharge, and follow-up protocols in nine Interior Health emergency departments, in partnership with Interior Health and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

CORE’s behavioural programs include Small Changes, a weight-management intervention adapted for people with chronic health conditions, and ENHANCE, which builds on positive psychology to support well-being, life satisfaction, and stress reduction.