This month at the NIH: NIH support for obesity research

Abstract

Currently, 64% of adults in the United States are either overweight (BMI 25 to 30) or obese (BMI >30). The increase in obesity over the past 30 years has been fueled by environmental, social, economic, and behavioral factors, acting on a background of genetic susceptibility. The NIH funds a broad spectrum of obesity-related research, including molecular, genetic, behavioral, environmental, clinical, and epidemiologic studies. NIH-supported research has also shown conclusively that obesity is associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer. These associations result in decreased life expectancy, reduced quality of life, and increased health care costs. Information on NIH Obesity Research is summarized at a new website: http://www.obesityresearch.nih.gov.Given the importance of the obesity epidemic as a public health problem and its relevance to the mission of most NIH Institutes, NIH Director Elias Zerhouni established the NIH Obesity Research Task Force in April 2003 to accelerate progress in obesity research. The Task Force is co-chaired by the NIDDK Director Allen M. Spiegel, M.D., and NHLBI Acting Director Barbara Alving, M.D. Its members are representatives from these and many other NIH Institutes with relevant expertise. As part of its charge from the NIH Director, the Task Force is developing a Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research that includes short-term and long-term goals for basic, clinical, and population-based research. Input from extramural scientists, leaders of professional and voluntary health organizations, and the public is a key element in framing the Strategic Plan. Further information on the NIH Obesity Task Force and Strategic Plan can be found at the web page: http://www.obesityresearch.nih.gov/about/about.htm#taskforce.There is also a new web page that lists currently active funding opportunities for obesity-related research, including current RFAs and program announcements, at http://www.obesityresearch.nih.gov/funding/funding.htm. Currently, 64% of adults in the United States are either overweight (BMI 25 to 30) or obese (BMI >30). The increase in obesity over the past 30 years has been fueled by environmental, social, economic, and behavioral factors, acting on a background of genetic susceptibility. The NIH funds a broad spectrum of obesity-related research, including molecular, genetic, behavioral, environmental, clinical, and epidemiologic studies. NIH-supported research has also shown conclusively that obesity is associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some forms of cancer. These associations result in decreased life expectancy, reduced quality of life, and increased health care costs. Information on NIH Obesity Research is summarized at a new website: http://www.obesityresearch.nih.gov. Given the importance of the obesity epidemic as a public health problem and its relevance to the mission of most NIH Institutes, NIH Director Elias Zerhouni established the NIH Obesity Research Task Force in April 2003 to accelerate progress in obesity research. The Task Force is co-chaired by the NIDDK Director Allen M. Spiegel, M.D., and NHLBI Acting Director Barbara Alving, M.D. Its members are representatives from these and many other NIH Institutes with relevant expertise. As part of its charge from the NIH Director, the Task Force is developing a Strategic Plan for NIH Obesity Research that includes short-term and long-term goals for basic, clinical, and population-based research. Input from extramural scientists, leaders of professional and voluntary health organizations, and the public is a key element in framing the Strategic Plan. Further information on the NIH Obesity Task Force and Strategic Plan can be found at the web page: http://www.obesityresearch.nih.gov/about/about.htm#taskforce. There is also a new web page that lists currently active funding opportunities for obesity-related research, including current RFAs and program announcements, at http://www.obesityresearch.nih.gov/funding/funding.htm.