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Yale Obesity Research Center (Y-Weight)
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About Y-Weight

Y-Weight aims to improve the lives and health of people living with obesity through cutting-edge clinical-translational and outcomes research that facilitates the development and appropriate application of novel therapies, targeting disease mechanisms of obesity and improving health outcomes.

The center’s primary focus is clinical research, specifically:

  • Human physiology studies - to better understand the biology of obesity
  • Clinical trials - to assess the efficacy and safety of novel anti-obesity medications in development
  • Health outcomes research - to investigate how these medications work in the real-world and impact population health

An initial focus of the center is on novel pharmacological therapeutics for obesity. Currently, at the forefront are medications called nutrient-stimulated hormone-based therapies (NuSHs) which target the neurometabolic mechanisms of obesity. NuSHs include medications such as semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and tirzepatide (GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist). These medications target receptors in our body and brain to inform how much fuel (or fat) our body is carrying.

By broadening our understanding of the pathophysiology of obesity and working to develop novel, highly effective interventions, Y-Weight (the Yale Obesity Research Center) works to improve the lives and health of individuals with obesity.

Y-Weight Mission and Objectives

  • Y-Weight Mission

    The mission of Y-Weight is to improve the lives and health of individuals living with obesity through cutting-edge human, clinical-translational, and outcomes research that facilitates the development and appropriate application of novel therapies, targeting disease mechanisms of obesity and improving health outcomes.

  • Four Overarching Themes

    Y-Weight aims to shape the field of obesity medicine through human clinical-translational and outcomes research. Four overarching themes of the center include:
    • Collaboration: Build community with the sharing of ideas from bench to bedside and beyond
    • Mentorship: Foster the development of physician-scientists and investigators in obesity medicine
    • Education: Educate the next generation of academic obesity medicine leaders and providers
    • Integration: Integrate clinical obesity research with clinical obesity medicine