Understanding how genetics and race influence perceptions of obesity
Official title: GENETIC ATTRIBUTIONS AND RACIALIZED PERCEPTIONS OF OBESITY
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10932235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at what doctors think about the genetic reasons for obesity and how these beliefs might change depending on a patient's race, especially between Black and White patients, to better understand how these views affect treatment and how patients feel about genetic explanations for their weight.
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 start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $689,893 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HG012868-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black adults experiencing obesity who are seeking medical care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or who do not have obesity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the beliefs of primary care providers regarding the genetic causes of obesity, particularly in relation to racial disparities. It aims to understand whether these providers attribute obesity to genetic factors differently based on a patient's race, specifically comparing Black and White patients. The study will also explore how these beliefs affect the attitudes and clinical decisions of healthcare providers, as well as how patients with obesity perceive genetic explanations for their condition. By examining these dynamics, the research seeks to address the underlying factors contributing to racial disparities in obesity treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable treatment approaches for obesity that consider both genetic and social factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing racial biases in healthcare can lead to improved patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lebowitz, Matthew — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lebowitz, Matthew
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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.