To achieve this mission, the Obesity and Metabolism Research Unit teamuses state-of-the-art approaches that range from community-based projects and clinical trials to sub-cellular and metabolite-level analyses.   

 Our Studies:

• Health and endocrine effects of dietary carbohydrates (i.e., whole grains & refined sugars).
• Identification of unique biomarkers reflective of metabolic health and disease.
• Links between dietary behavior and psychosocial factors such as stress.
• Absorption and metabolism of vitamin B12 in at-risk populations.
• Effects of diet on bone health in adolescent girls and women.
• Roles of micronutrients (zinc, calcium, vitamin D) and newly-described genes on body composition, energy balance, and fat tissue physiology.
• Efficacy of U.S. Dietary Guideline-recommended physical activity levels for health and prevention of disease.
• Factors that influence adherence to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. Researchers work closely with investigators in the Immunity & Disease Prevention Research Unit, and collaborate with researchers from the U.S. and over 18 other countries. Scientists in the Unit have over 120 years of research experience in government, academic, and biotech labs.