Why Obesity?
Obesity remains at epidemic proportions in the U.S. In addition to its devastating economic and social impacts, obesity is a major risk factor for several leading chronic diseases. Some groups are disproportionately affected by the condition. For example, nearly half of all Black women are obese. Obesity rates are dramatically higher in the Southeastern United States. For some groups, socioeconomic disadvantage serves as a potent obesity risk factor.
Our work is designed to identify strategies to help contend with the obesity epidemic by: 1) uncovering social and behavioral determinants of obesity in high risk populations, and; 2) developing innovative obesity intervention strategies.
