Exercise, Nutrition, Obesity

Nutrition, exercise, and obesity are critical factors to evaluate in relation to multiple chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Our research ranges from understanding the impact of obesity and diabetes on health outcomes in developing countries to lifestyle interventions in cancer patients and survivors to improve quality of life and treatment adherence. We focus on rigorous epidemiologic methods in both observational studies and randomized controlled trials and incorporate genetics, novel biomarkers, and innovative exposure assessments into our studies.

Faculty of Interest

Brenda Cartmel, PhD
Senior Research Scientist
Research Interests
Carcinoma
Chronic Disease
Epidemiology
Nutrition Disorders
Ovarian Neoplasms
Stress, Psychological
Tanning
Disease-Free Survival
Nutritional Sciences
Public Health Research Interests
Cancer
Mental Health
Nutrition
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Leah Ferrucci, PhD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases)
Research Interests
Breast Neoplasms
Chronic Disease
Diet
Epidemiology
Public Health
Skin Neoplasms
Tanning
Colorectal Neoplasms
Survivors
Metabolomics
Public Health Research Interests
Cancer
Nutrition
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Nicola Hawley, PhD
Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases); Affiliated Faculty, Yale Institute for Global Health; Associate Director for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI); Director, Maternal and Child Health Promotion Track, Maternal and Child Health Promotion (MCHP) Program
Research Interests
Diabetes Mellitus
Hypertension
Maternal Health Services
Maternal-Child Health Centers
Obesity
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care
Global Health
Samoa
American Samoa
Public Health Research Interests
Behavioral Health
Breastfeeding
Chronic Diseases
Community Health
Genetics, Genomics, Epigenetics
Global Health
Maternal & Child Health
Nutrition
Obesity
Women's Health
Non-Communicable Diseases
Child/Adolescent Health
Health Equity, Disparities, Social Determinants and Justice
Implementation Science
Randomized Trials
Qualitative Methods
Perinatal/Prenatal Health
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Melinda Irwin, PhD, MPH
Associate Dean of Research and Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases); Deputy Director (Public Health), Yale Center for Clinical Investigation; Deputy Director, Yale Cancer Center
Research Interests
Breast Neoplasms
Neoplasms by Histologic Type
Obesity
Ovarian Neoplasms
Weight Loss
Exercise
Public Health Research Interests
Cancer
Women's Health
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Centers and other resources

Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF): A Guide to Global Scale UpThis evidence-informed initiative is designed to help countries identify the strength of their breastfeeding-friendly environment and to improve breastfeeding policies and programs.
Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research (CNE2)CNE2 is comprised of researchers across Yale schools who have common and complementary research and methodological interests in clinical neurological research.
Center for Outcomes and Research (CORE)
Community Alliance for Research and Engagement (CARE)CARE promotes the prevention of chronic diseases by focusing on social, environmental, and behavioral risk factors.
Olive Oil and Health
Samoan Obesity, lifestyle and Genetic Adaptations Study Group (OLAGA)OLAGA study group aims to understand the origins of obesity among Samoans and other Pacific Islanders to develop relevant interventions to reduce obesity and obesity-related conditions.
Transdisciplinary Research in Energetics and Cancer Research Education Program (TREC-REP)
Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young AMI Patients (VIRGO)
Yale Cancer Center (YCC)The Center provides the best approaches for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (PRC)The PRC works with community partners to develop and implement community-based approaches to prevent and control chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Yale Institute for Global Health (YIGH)YIGH serves as the focal point for research, education, and engagement with global partners to improve the health of individuals and populations worldwide.
Yale Network for Global Non-communicable Diseases
Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science