Overview of ECOR

Human obesity is a complex condition with multiple causes. Genetic, physiological, social, and economic factors all contribute to the development of overweight. Economic and physical environments also play a role. In the United States, the burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes falls disproportionately on minorities and the poor. Dramatic increases in childhood obesity rates pose the threat of early onset of chronic disease, with significant health and economic consequences.

The Exploratory Center for Obesity Research (ECOR) at the University of Washington is part of the new Roadmap Initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health. ECOR's mission is to foster research that integrates the biomedical, public health, and policy aspects of the obesity epidemic. We plan to create interdisciplinary teams that leverage the strengths, concepts, and skills of multiple areas of expertise in order to pursue innovative and effective strategies for obesity prevention.

Planned ECOR activities include pilot and feasibility grants, forums, workshops, conferences, commissioned papers, and reviews. The ECOR "lab to leadership" model is built on sustained interactions among researchers, clinicians, schools, public health agencies, and community groups. The goal is to align research aims with local, state, and national policy goals.