RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN OBESITY

Introduction
Involved Researchers
Ongoing Research
Recently Published Articles

Obesity research spans the entire lifecycle and intersects with multiple other research foci at our department. Within obesity research, the emphasis is placed on assessment of physical activity and dietary intake and their respective contributions to the development of overweight and obesity, both at the level of individuals and the built environment.

Involved Researchers:
Steven Blair P.E.D.
James Hébert Sc.D.
Angela Liese Ph.D.
Jihong Liu Sc.D.
Susan Steck Ph.D.

Ongoing Research:
Methods for Improved Diet and Exercise Measurement
Hebert, J. R. (PI)
NIH/NCI/Oregon Research Institute
May 1, 2007 – April 30, 2008
This study will design and test an interactive computer (CD-ROM) assessment program to improve the accuracy of self-reported portion size and self-reported PA intensity in older, overweight, or obese adults, and assess the extent to which these improvements result in increased accuracy, by comparing the CD-ROM assessment program to standard paper/pencil versions and against more objective “gold standard” measures of diet and PA.

LOOK AHEAD - Diet Assessment Center: Action for Health in Diabetes
Robert Moran Ph.D. (PI)
NIH/NIDDK, Subcontract to Wake Forest University
July 1, 2001 - August 31, 2008
This study will address questions of macronutrient intake in relation to cardiovascular risk factors and clinical events in persons with type-2 diabetes under conditions of either usual care or intensive weight loss intervention. USC holds a subcontract for the study wide dietary assessment and is responsible for the collection, quality control, and analysis of dietary data from the 20 clinical centers nationwide.

recently published articles:
Steck, S.E., Chalecki, A.M., Miller, P., Conway, J., Austin, G., Hardin, J.W., Albright, C., and Thuillier, P. Conjugated Linoleic Acid Supplementation for Twelve Weeks Increases Lean Body Mass in Obese Humans. Journal of Nutrition, 137(5):1188-1193, 2007.