How beliefs about genes shape attitudes and care for people with obesity
GENETIC ATTRIBUTIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF OBESITY
This project looks at whether doctors' and patients' beliefs about genetics change attitudes and treatment for adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163487 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will ask primary care doctors about their knowledge of genetics and whether they think genes cause obesity. They will test how patient characteristics influence doctors' tendency to attribute obesity to genetics and how those attributions affect doctors' attitudes and clinical decisions. U.S. adults with obesity will read descriptions of physicians who do or do not endorse genetic explanations and share their reactions in an experiment. The team will also run focus groups with U.S. adults with obesity to hear detailed views about using genetics in obesity-related healthcare.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults in the United States who have obesity and are willing to complete surveys, participate in an online experiment, or join focus groups are the ideal participants, while primary care clinicians will be recruited separately for provider-focused parts.
Not a fit: People without obesity or those not interested in discussing genetics and healthcare experiences are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve doctor–patient communication about weight, reduce blame or stigma, and guide how genetic information is used in care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in this area have mixed results—some show genetic explanations can reduce blame but may increase fatalism or lower perceived control—so the approach builds on but does not duplicate prior work.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lebowitz, Matthew — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lebowitz, Matthew
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.