The mission of UCSF's Center for Obesity Assessment, Study and Treatment (COAST) is to reduce the prevalence and adverse consequences of obesity. We seek to advance knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms by which stress influences obesity, and how to intervene. Thus, we investigate the influence of psychosocial stressors on metabolism, eating behavior and nutrition, physical activity, fat distribution, and weight gain trajectories throughout the life course of diverse populations.
We work in interdisciplinary teams to test translational research concepts spanning basic science, epidemiologic, and intervention studies, which include measurement and analysis of food and physical activity environments.
We develop and implement innovative approaches to promote optimal weight status. We also provide technical expertise in the measurements of dietary intake, eating behaviors, and multiple dimensions of stress (environmental, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and physiological).
This year, COAST meetings at Laurel Heights are focused on supporting development of obesity research (discussion-oriented meetings) to support new research, particularly on the theme of SES, stress and food behaviors.
Friday, September 18, 2009 Topic: The Vagus Nerve, Obesity and Vagotomy
Rob Lustig, MD
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology
Director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health Program (WATCH)
University of California at San Francisco
Time and Location: 12:00-1:30 pm, UCSF Laurel Heights, Conference Room 474
Friday, October 9, 2009- SPECIAL DATE Topic:
Weight and mortality: the population perspective and issues of interpretation
Katherine M. Flegal
Senior Research Scientist/Distinguished Consultant
National Center for Health Statistics
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Time and Location: 12:00-1:30 pm, UCSF Laurel Heights, Conference Room 474
Friday, November 20, 2009 Topic: Mindfulness-Based Approaches to Stress Reduction
During Pregnancy: Potential Implications for Perinatal
Obesity Interventions
Cassi Vieten
Time and Location: 12:00-1:30 pm, UCSF Laurel Heights, Conference Room 474
Friday, March 19, 2010 Topic: TBA Marc Hellerstein, MD, PhD
Professor of Human Nutrition (Calloway Chair),
University of California at Berkeley,
Professor of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition,
University of California at San Francisco,
Co-Founder and Chief of SAB, KineMed, Inc.
Time and Location: 12:00-1:30 pm, UCSF Laurel Heights, Conference Room 474
Friday, April 23, 2010 **Please note special date** Topic: Promoting Healthy Weight with ‘Stability First’ Michaela Kiernan, PhD
Senior Research Scientist
Stanford Prevention Research Center
Stanford University School of Medicine
Time and Location: 12:00-1:30 pm, UCSF Laurel Heights, Conference Room 474
