Obesity is a chronic disease that currently afflicts more than a third of Arkansans. Obesity is a risk factor for other serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Many factors, such as access to nutritious foods and health care impact state and national obesity rates. Socioeconomic inequalities also add to obesity risk and are related to the neighborhoods in which people live, work and play.
The research conducted by the Center for the Study of Obesity examines:
- Systemic components leading to disparities in obesity and obesity-related morbidities
- Environments and nutrition choices that promote healthy weight
- Evidence-based programs, policies, and interventions to prevent excess weight gain
Although our programs stretch well beyond Little Rock’s boundaries, our location at UAMS uniquely positions us to study obesity in unprecedented ways. From the heart of the state’s largest academic health center, we collaborate with professionals and programs across disciplines to broaden our disease understanding.