Obesity Hub
Overview
The Obesity Hub is a collaborative effort that brings together a diverse team of 27 faculty members from 16 different departments, spanning six schools and five centers and institutes. The primary focus of this initiative is to unravel the complexities behind why individuals with similar diets and exercise regimens can have drastically different susceptibilities to weight gain. By moving beyond the traditional "one-size-fits-all" treatment models, the project aims to pioneer precision approaches to obesity care.
Specific Aims
The project is built around three core objectives:
- Parallel Mouse and Human Studies: Investigate whether genomic, metabolomic, and microbial factors contribute to the diverse responses in weight gain and weight loss among individuals.
- Precision Obesity Pilot: Implement a specialized obesity treatment pilot in a UNC clinic. This will involve minute-by-minute monitoring of glucose levels, diet, and physical activity, laying the groundwork for future precision obesity care at Carolina.
- DATA TRANSLATOR App: Develop an application that serves as a platform for precision obesity science and treatment. This app will integrate genetic, metabolomic, and dietary data, offering a holistic view of an individual's health.
By leveraging a transdisciplinary approach and focusing on precision treatments, the Obesity Hub aims to advance our understanding of obesity and bring about more effective, individualized care solutions.
For more in-depth information about the Obesity Hub, you can read the feature on Spotlight Carolina: Penny Gordon-Larsen or visit UNC's Creativity Hubs Winners 2018 page.
Team and Collaboration
The Obesity Hub is a collective endeavor that harnesses the expertise of faculty from various disciplines. The project facilitates robust partnerships across different departments, schools, and centers, aiming for a transdisciplinary approach to obesity research and treatment. Below is the Obesity Hub team: