How UT Health San Antonio aims to tackle obesity in children
A research team at UT Health San Antonio seeks to prevent Hispanic childhood obesity and the development of Type 2 diabetes with the help of a five-year grant from Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio.
The potentially groundbreaking research led by principal investigator Lily Q. Dong, PhD, professor of cell systems and anatomy at UT Health San Antonio, is testing whether there is a genetic marker of early insulin resistance in youth that could be controlled, thereby preventing obesity and development of Type 2 diabetes. Currently, most studies and treatment focus on adults, and pediatric anti-obesity drugs have limited effect.
The need is particularly urgent for Hispanic children, 27% of whom are obese in Bexar County, where more than 65% of adults overall are overweight and obese.
The donation marks the largest-ever research grant by Baptist Health Foundation of San Antonio and builds upon its longtime support of UT Health San Antonio.