The Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Program emphasizes support of investigator-initiated clinical research relating to biomedical and behavioral aspects of obesity and nutrition. This program encompasses clinical studies of obesity investigating appetite and food intake, energy expenditure (including physical activity), body composition, or impact of obesity or its treatment (including medical/surgical therapies) on metabolic factors, psychosocial factors, or co-morbid conditions. The physiological and metabolic consequences of weight loss or weight gain, the effects of exercise and diet composition on appetite and weight control, and the individual variability in energy utilization and thermogenesis in humans are contained within the specific research interests of this program. Investigations incorporating improved methods for assessment of body composition, examination of health risk factors with specific degrees of obesity or body composition, and determination of the effect of exercise on body composition also are supported. Pilot and Single-site investigator initiated clinical trials in nutrition in which the purpose of the study is to assess the impact of a nutritional intervention on a non-weight related health outcome are also encompassed within this program. Clinical trials in which the goal of the study is to assess methods to prevent weight gain or induce weight loss are contained within the Obesity Prevention and Treatment Program. Multisite Nutrition clinical trials are encompassed in the Nutrition Clinical Trials Program. Clinical studies related to the requirement, bioavailability, and metabolism of nutrients and other dietary components at the organ, cellular, and subcellular levels in normal and diseased states are contained within the Nutrient Metabolism Program. Observational studies or studies using secondary data analysis are appropriate for the Nutritional Epidemiology Program. Studies with a major focus on the genetics or genomics of obesity are encompassed within the Obesity Genetics and Genomics Program.
For more information, contact Dr. Carolyn Miles, Director; Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Program.
