“The Epigenetics of Obesity: Prenatal Preventive Strategies”
Michael Rosenbaum, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Associate Program Director Clinical Research Resource (CRR)

Much of the infrastructure of the degenerative diseases of adulthood is laid down in utero. Genetics, pre-partum weight, and multiple factors during pregnancy (maternal weight gain, stress, medications) all interact to increase or decrease the risk of obesity across the lifespan.

“Multi-Level Approaches in the First 1,000 Days to Prevent Childhood Obesity”
Jennifer Woo Baidal, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor in Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

Childhood obesity impacts nearly 1 in 5 children, resulting in myriad chronic diseases and curtailed life span. Pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood are critical periods early in the life course for development of childhood obesity. Effective early life approaches to prevent childhood obesity are urgently needed.

“Challenges of Weight in Our Society”
Anthony Ferrante, MD, PhD, Tilden-Weger-Bieler Professor of Preventive Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine & Nutrition, Department of Medicine

From carefully controlled studies, we understand that in adults body weight is regulated. For many of us this is most apparent when we try to lose weight - initial success requires continued efforts to maintain weight loss. However, if body weight is regulated why have the number of adults who are overweight and obese increased so substantially in the last three decades. Understand how body weight is regulated and what influences our individual 'set points' is critical for developing personal and public health approach to healthy weight programs.

This event is hosted by the Integrating Special Populations (ISP) Resource at the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, home to Columbia University's Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program Hub