Obesity

Obese women outnumber obese men by a nearly 2-1 ratio, and obesity has a more adverse effect on health outcomes in women than in men.

Obese women have a greater risk than do obese men of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction and dementia. Additionally, obesity in women is associated with increased rates of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy complications and adverse fetal outcomes.

Research has shown that lipid metabolism differs considerably between women and men, and that sex hormones and genetic dimorphisms have an important impact on fat deposition and lipid metabolism in women.

Areas of focus

Related to obesity, research in the Women's Health Research Center is focused on:

• Hormonal factors affecting body fat composition and distribution
• Fatty acid metabolism
• Health consequences of obesity in women

Faculty involved

Center faculty members involved in obesity research include:

• Michael D. Jensen, M.D.
• James A. Levine, M.D., Ph.D.

Collaborative efforts also exist with other investigators in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition.