Office of External Communications

Houston, TX 77204-5017 Fax: 713.743.8199

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2004

Contact: Marisa Ramirez
713.743.8152 (office)
mrcannon@uh.edu

HOUSTON Dec. 15, 2004—A new weapon in the arsenal to combat obesity has been acquired by the University of Houston. Researchers with the UH Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) will use the Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scanner to measure bone density and the effect of weight loss therapies on the body.

“We are very fortunate to have this state-of-the-art device available for carrying out research focused on physical activity and obesity prevention,” said Mark Clarke, associate professor for HHP who led the effort to acquire the new technology for the UH Institute for Obesity Prevention and Urban Fitness. “DEXA gives us an opportunity to be at the forefront of research designed to combat one of the most rapidly developing disease epidemics in the United States today, and that is obesity.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 38 million Americans met the definition of obese in the year 2000 (a body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more). According to Clarke, DEXA is the “gold standard” in determining accurate body composition including a highly accurate measure of body fat and bone density. While DEXA scanning has been used primarily in the diagnosis of osteoporosis, UH researchers will apply the technology to determine the effect of diet, exercise or use of certain drug therapies in those who are obese or suffer other dangerous health ailments such as diabetes.

“It is our hope that we can use this technology to determine if diets, exercise programs or certain drugs are truly effective in reducing body fat,” said Clarke.

DEXA directs two sources of low-dose X-rays over the body or bone being examined. The subject lies on his back as the scanner moves over his body. The images are analyzed by a computer that calculates bone mineral density and body composition based on how much radiation the bones absorbed. The non-invasive imaging procedure takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

“Other techniques may misinterpret how much body fat is lost because of diets or drugs. DEXA provides a simple, rapid and more accurate interpretation,” said Clarke.

The $90,000 DEXA scanner was paid for with funds specifically earmarked for research opportunities. Clarke says the purchase will allow UH to collaborate with other researchers and organizations interested in studying obesity prevention and bone density, such as the Texas Medical Center or NASA.

“Future research endeavors may focus on the influence of aging, gender and ethnicity on changes in bone mineral density and body composition,” said Clarke. “The findings will be the basis for future health and wellness programs in the greater Houston area.”

The Institute for Obesity Prevention and Urban Fitness was established at the UH College of Education, Department of Health and Human Performance in 2004. The center conducts applied research and education programs, and works in collaboration with other researchers to study the causes and effects of obesity. In addition, researchers with the institute will search for ways to predict obesity risk and treatment outcomes.

For more information about the UH College of Education Health and Human Performance Department, please visit http://www.hhp.uh.edu/

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate, civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and service with more than 35,000 students.

For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.