The Obesity and Eating Disorders Program emphasizes support of investigator-initiated research relating to biomedical and behavioral aspects of obesity and eating disorders (including binge eating) in animal models. Areas of research interest include investigations of factors that affect food choices, food intake, eating behavior, appetite, satiety, body composition, nutrient partitioning, physical activity and energy regulation. 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. Obesity-related clinical studies or clinical trials in humans are contained within the Clinical Obesity and Nutrition Program, Obesity Prevention and Treatment Program. Studies related to the development and physiology of the adipocyte or basic adipocyte biology are contained within the Adipocyte Biology Program. Studies with a focus on genetic or genomic factors related to obesity in both animals and humans are encompassed in the Genetics and Genomics of Obesity Program.
For more information, contact Dr. Susan Yanovski, Co-Director, Office of Obesity Research.