The Institute of Obesity, Nutrition & Exercise will draw together some of Australia's leading researchers, scientists and academics in four key divisions; Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise, and Public Health, Epidemiology and Policy.
The Institute will take a leading role in the battle to control the global obesity epidemic and lifestyle-related chronic diseases by providing a focus for advancing basic and clinical research, public health and policy development.
Director of the Institute of Obesity, Nutrition & Exercise, Professor Ian Caterson said, "I am proud to announce the establishment by the University of Sydney of what we expect will become an internationally recognised centre of excellence dealing with some of the most pressing health issues of our time.
"We know that the prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate particularly in children and adolescents. With this increased prevalence comes increased metabolic disease and an enormous burden on our health systems. Almost one in five Australian adults is estimated to be obese and almost two-thirds of men and half of the adult female population are classified as overweight.
"Despite these alarming statistics, obesity is poorly understood and more coordinated research is needed to understand its genetic basis and the role of environment, diet and physical inactivity. This knowledge will be the basis for developing effective prevention and management strategies. By combining experts in each of the key interlocking areas identified, the Institute will be uniquely placed to meet these challenges," Prof Caterson said.