Brenda Davy

Synopsis:

Dr. Davy investigates how to improve diet (including appetite control and food intake regulation) and physical inactivity behaviors. She also examines the relationship between water (and beverage) consumption and body weight management.

Description:

Research in our laboratory focuses on the prevention and treatment of obesity and its related comorbid conditions, and dietary intake assessment. This research has important public health implications, as the obesity epidemic is a significant health and economic burden to our society. Our obesity research is directed toward several target populations:

1. Understanding how to prevent weight gain in young adulthood;
2. reversing obesity and preventing type 2 diabetes in middle aged and older adults;
3. and long-term maintenance of weight loss.

Significant weight gain occurs during young adulthood and it appears that the young adult years are a critical time for obesity development. Thus, providing young adults with the behavioral/lifestyle skills to successfully manage their weight may prevent obesity in later years. Weight gain is also common with advancing age and one contributing factor may be an inability to appropriately regulate food intake. We are investigating ways in which older adults may reduce their tendency toward over-consumption by targeting specific dietary factors, such as beverage intake. Over time, this may facilitate weight loss. We are conducting research aimed at preventing the development of type 2 diabetes in individuals with prediabetes, and developing long-term weight management strategies for individuals following weight loss.