Super-Sized World: The Global Obesity Epidemic

In collaboration with the New York Academy of Sciences

According to the World Health Organization, more than one billion adults worldwide are overweight and nearly 300 million are clinically obese. Obesity is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke and certain forms of cancer. Once thought to be a problem affecting only industrialized, developed countries, obesity and obesity-related diseases are increasingly prevalent in the developing world.

This conference will convene leading obesity researchers to explore the latest science and policy initiatives for this health crisis both globally and here in the United States.

NYCFoodEDU Collaborative Kick-off

Networking Hour at Jimmy No. 43′s

We are proud to be a founding member of the newly established NYC Student Food Collaborative, a collective of graduate students from academic programs throughout NYC focused on food policy initiatives. The group is simple in mission: NYCFoodEDU seeks to connect students throughout NYC’s 5 boroughs to encourage change at a greater, city-wide level and to provide networking opportunities. The collaborative will meet periodically through happy hours around the city to provide a space for such connections.

Perspectives on the Soda Tax

Speaker:
Dr. Claire Wang, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health

Dr. Claire Wang, M.D., discussed food and beverage taxes in light of her recent research on soda taxes. Dr. Wang focuses on research using mathematical models to integrate epidemiology and demography to inform policy-making in population health.

Round Table Discussion: Perspectives on Obesity and the Food System

Speakers:

Dr. Andrew Rundle, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Dr. Sally Lederman, Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition