The problem of obesity, although not unique to Saudi Arabia, is a major healthcare challenge facing Saudi society. Approximately, one-third of the Saudi population is now overweight and one-third is obese. Given the environmental, lifestyle and genetic aspects specific for our region, we believe that conducting multidisciplinary research program on obesity is important in defining different causes of obesity and to apply this information towards effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.

The ORC aims to allow a better understanding of the molecular basis of obesity and related diseases. Adipocyte biology studies will be performed at both the gene and protein levels. These studies will use both classical protein chemistry and proteomic approaches. The nature of the association between obesity and several comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, thyroid diseases and asthma will be investigated and characterized. In addition, the effect of different obesity management strategies including behavioral, pharmacologic and surgical treatment will be studied to assess their efficacy in treating obesity in our society.

Our current program focuses on the following main research topics:

• Obesity at the level of adipocytes.
• Obesity at the genetic and proteomic levels.
• The link between obesity and inflammation