Public Health Nutrition

The public health nutrition program in the Department of Epidemiology focuses on the following areas:

• Assessing personal, behavioral, environmental, and biological factors that are associated with eating behaviors and physical activity
• Assessing factors that contribute to disparities in eating behaviors among underserved communities
• Developing nutrition interventions to help communities and populations improve their eating behaviors and maintain optimal body weight, improve health and/or prevent chronic disease such as cancer, cardiovascular, and mental health.

In addition to nutrition, other lifestyle factors such as physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, stress management, and optimal sleep that are linked to increased risk of chronic illnesses are considered in the assessment of eating behaviors and risk of chronic disease.