About NIH Obesity Research
Background
The health problem of obesity
Obesity has risen to epidemic levels in the U.S. It causes devastating
and costly health problems, reduces life expectancy, and is associated
with stigma and discrimination. A multitude of factors likely contribute
to obesity, from inherent biological traits that differ between individuals
relevant to body weight; to environmental and socioeconomic factors;
to behavioral factors--which may have both molecular and environmental
influences. Thus, the diverse efforts of many federal agencies and public
and private organizations will be valuable in working towards reducing
obesity.
Role of the NIH in Addressing the U.S. Obesity Epidemic: Research Contributions
Given the complexity and multiplicity of the forces driving the obesity
epidemic, the NIH recognizes that it cannot, by itself, solve this major
public health problem. However, the NIH can and must be a key contributor
to solving the obesity problem through scientific research. Through its
research mission, the NIH is seeking to capitalize on recent scientific
discoveries to propel new efforts towards further understanding the forces
contributing to obesity and towards developing strategies for prevention
and treatment.
The increase in obesity over the past 30 years has been fueled by a
complex interplay of environmental, social, economic, and behavioral
factors, acting on a background of genetic susceptibility. Thus, the
NIH supports a broad spectrum of obesity-related research, including
molecular, genetic, behavioral, environmental, clinical, and epidemiologic
studies. The challenges of today's obesity epidemic are daunting, yet
the discoveries emanating from previous research investments offer unprecedented
opportunities for new scientific research efforts to help meet these
challenges.
Recognizing the escalation in obesity and the extraordinary difficulties
in its prevention and treatment, a number of NIH Institutes, Centers,
and Offices (ICs) are taking important new steps to augment their obesity
research portfolios.
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The NIH Obesity Research Task Force
Given the importance of the obesity epidemic as a public health problem, and its relevance to the mission of most of the NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICs), former NIH Director Dr. Elias Zerhouni established the NIH Obesity Research Task Force to accelerate progress in obesity research across the NIH. The Task Force is co-chaired by the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, and by the Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Dr. Elizabeth G. Nabel. The members of the Task Force are representatives from these and many other NIH ICs with relevant expertise. A key element of the NIH Director's charge to the Task Force is the development of a Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research.
The following NIH components are represented on the Task Force
Additional NIH Research Information Resources
Clinical Trials Related to Obesity
To search for information about clinical trials in human volunteers, including the purpose of each trial, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov/ . Please note that some trials may not currently be enrolling volunteers. Please also note that the ClinicalTrials.gov website offers different search options, including focused searches for trials sponsored by the NIH and/or other agencies and organizations.
NIH Information on Federally-Funded Research Projects - CRISP Database
CRISP (Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) is a searchable database, maintained by the NIH, that provides information on current and past research projects supported by the NIH and several other federal agencies. Searchable information includes research topic, principal investigator, geographical location (state) of awarded projects, and other information. Possible search terms for obesity-related projects may include, for example: obesity, overweight, or related terms; other terms such as children, adolescence; the name of a principal investigator; etc.
Further information about the CRISP Database
Search CRISP
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