In 2010, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provided $824 million in funding for research to reduce the prevalence and health consequences of obesity. Now the agency is shifting the focus to clinical trials and practical solutions in an effort to find out what really does impact obesity. Successful strategies to help our population to eat less and exercise more need to be identified and implemented.

NIH recommends a focus on (1) key processes that determine weight and influence behavior; (2) understanding various factors leading to obesity and health consequences of obesity; (3) development and testing of new strategies to reach and maintain healthy weight; (4) strategies to prevent and treat obesity in real-world situations involving diverse populations; and (5) use technology to advance research related to obesity and healthcare delivery. The NIH director reports that the focus on translational research will encourage a broadened perspective on the obesity epidemic. The new strategic plan uses current research evidence, but expands the focus to application. Nursing faculty, students, and practitioners may discover that our knowledge related to health education, behavior, and patient advocacy positions us to obtain significant NIH funding by developing and participating in these studies.

Source: Reiter A. New strategic plan for NIH obesity research seeks to curb epidemic. March 31, 2011. NIH News: National Institutes of Health. Available athttp://www.nih.gov/news/health/mar2011/niddk-31.htmAccessed April 8, 2010.

Submitted by: Robin E. Pattillo, PhD, RN, CNL, News Editor at [email protected].