Vision: A world-class, specialized center for biomedical research on obesity and its related disorders. Mission: To improve our understanding of obesity by conducting basic, translational and clinical research and to apply this information towards effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Specific Objectives: 1. To establish and develop focused research laboratories to facilitate obesity research. 2. To develop and transfer novel technologies in biomedical research. 3. To train graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical staff on using cutting-edge research technologies. 4. To publish original research articles on obesity and related disorders in international, peer-reviewed journals and whereappropriate to secure intellectual property relating to our work. 5. To establish mutually beneficial scientific collaborations with other internationally-recognized centers of research excellence. 6. To increase public awareness about the morbid complications of obesity and effective preventive measures.