David Sarwer portrait

David B. Sarwer, associate dean of research and director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE), has been elected as a fellow to the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research.

“Dr. Sarwer's nomination to the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research is a well-earned recognition of his leadership in the field of obesity,” said Laura A. Siminoff, dean of the College of Public Health and Laura H. Carnell Professor of Public Health. “We are fortunate to have such a talented investigator contributing to the research and educational mission of the College."

The Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research (ABMR) aims to “advance the field of behavioral medicine by creating and disseminating knowledge, cultivating discourse, and inspiring change that culminates in better health for all,” according to the academy. New fellows are elected through an invitation-only process based on productivity, scholarly output, and other accomplishments; members also include leaders in government, philanthropy, and more. Through their research and contributions to the field of behavioral medicine, the ABMR serves as a resource for researchers, practitioners, policymakers and the general public.

“The Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research is one of the premier scientific organizations devoted to the discovery of basic principles linking behavior to health and disease and informing behaviorally-based interventions to prevent disease and promote health,” said Stephen Lepore, chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “As chair of the department—one that shares the values and mission of the Academy—I am quite proud that Dr. Sarwer has been nominated to membership.”

Sarwer's research is focused on the causes and treatment of obesity, with much of his work focused on the psychosocial and behavioral aspects of extreme obesity and bariatric surgery. He has published over 200 papers and book chapters based on his research, and he has served as an invited or keynote speaker to a number of regional, national and international meetings. He also serves as editor-in-chief of the journal Obesity Science and Practice and as an associate editor for both Health Psychology and Obesity Surgery.

“Many of the manuscripts we receive are reports about research on dietary behaviors, obesity, weight loss interventions, or bariatric surgery; David is one of the leading experts in this area,” said Kenneth Freedland, editor-in-chief of Health Psychology and an ABMR fellow. “The depth of his knowledge in this area of research is impressive...David’s election to ABMR is a high honor and an acknowledgement of his leadership in research on the psychosocial causes and treatment of obesity.”

Sarwer recently received a grant from the National Institutes of Health, along with colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania, to investigate changes in oral health in persons with type 2 diabetes who undergo bariatric surgery. He is also leading a National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases-funded study investigating the relationship between psychosocial functioning and outcomes of bariatric surgery.

— Chris Sarachilli