Diabetes and Obesity

Over one-third of U.S. adults are considered obese, putting them at greater risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. As weight has increased, so too has the prevalence of diabetes, which has increased from 6% in the late 1980s to 10% in 2010.

Welch Center faculty conduct patient-oriented research that focuses on preventing obesity and diabetes, as well as carry out pivotal work that has direct impacts on healthcare for individuals with these conditions. Though their research and involvement in policy-making organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association, faculty make major contributions to the science behind the development and adoption of clinical practice and laboratory guidelines for the diagnosis and management of obesity and diabetes. Others lead clinical trials testing interventions aimed at prevention or improved management of these conditions. Faculty interests also include the role of social and environmental determinants on these conditions, as well as focus on specific populations such as peripartum women, cancer survivors, or fatty liver disease.

We are committed to training future leaders in the fields of obesity and diabetes. The large number of population-based studies, national and international health systems databases, and randomized clinical trials provide a rich substrate for original research projects conducted by trainees.

Welch Center Faculty with research interests in obesity or diabetes: Lawrence Appel, Wendy Bennett, Gail Daumit, Sherita Golden, Nisa Maruthur, Elizabeth Selvin, Nae-Yuh Wang, and Jessica Yeh.