Overview

The Nutrition Obesity Research Program is the first step toward a comprehensive depository of obesity solutions, evolving treatment and clinical management through increased understanding of obesity physiology.

Our program at Mayo Clinic is poised to make a transformational change to address the complex health challenges of obesity. Our team is developing patient-centered approaches to obesity management that leverage the Mayo Clinic Model of Care, clinical expertise and collaborative research. Through our coordinated research efforts and studies, we're beginning to understand the drivers of weight gain and obesity and the associated health complications at the molecular, cellular and individual levels.

The Nutrition Obesity Research Program is jointly based at Mayo Clinic's campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona; Jacksonville, Florida; and Rochester, Minnesota. In addition to our ongoing research, clinicians at each site provide care and services for people with needs and concerns related to nutrition and obesity.

Our scientists have a broad and deep understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of how and where fat is stored. This knowledge helps us understand the likelihood of disease and contributing factors to cancer risk and lifelong health conditions. It also helps us understand underlying health problems that affect long-term health span and quality of life.

The broad spectrum of research initiatives in the Nutrition Obesity Research Program provides a foundation for the ability to deliver transformative insight into new and diverse areas of research. Ultimately, our researchers and clinicians hope to prevent and possibly cure obesity through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Care and support

For people affected by obesity or related diagnoses, clinicians and scientists in the Nutrition Obesity Research Program at Mayo Clinic offer:

• Opportunities to participate in clinical research projects, special programs and clinical trials.
• Information, education and activities for research participants and caregivers.

Program directors

Three directors guide research and clinical efforts within the Nutrition Obesity Research Program.

• Andres J. Acosta, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Acosta is a bariatrician and gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Acosta conducts research on gastrointestinal physiology to understand the complexity of food intake regulation and obesity. Read more about Dr. Acosta.
• Maria L. Collazo-Clavell, M.D. Dr. Collazo-Clavell is an endocrinologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who has been using innovative care models for people with obesity for more than 25 years. Her research interests include the clinical study of obesity and its complications, especially type 2 diabetes. Read more about Dr. Collazo-Clavell.
• Mark A. McNiven, Ph.D. Dr. McNiven brings his expertise in biochemistry and molecular biology to the study of gastroenterology, including the liver and pancreas. Dr. McNiven's extensive research includes the study of cell function and fat storage and metabolism. Read more about Dr. McNiven.