DOM Medicine Grand Rounds- Dr. Andrea Coviello presents: “Treating Obesity: 3 Things I Want You to Know.”

As a board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, my research focus has been on the neuroendocrine control of reproduction and metabolism and the influence of reproductive hormones on metabolism and cardiovascular disease. This project aligns with my research goals as it focuses on the treatment of obesity and related endocrinology disorders in relation to newer prescribed incretins and I am excited to be part of this team in my role as a co-Investigator.

My research has encompassed clinical and genetic epidemiology studies in population-based cohorts such as the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and NHANES as well as translational clinical research. I am working with the CHARGE (Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology) Consortium as a FHS investigator on the genetic influences of reproductive traits such as menopause as well as circulating gonadal and adrenal sex hormones and their relationships to health and chronic disease. My clinical research has included clinical trials of testosterone therapy in men.  In women, I have studied the metabolic disorders associated with androgen excess in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as well as the metabolic and cardiovascular sequelae of higher androgens in women of white European ancestry (1RO1HL094755-01A2). I mentor a junior investigator with a BIRCWH K12 (Duke) examining the role of sex steroids in hidradenitis in women with PCOS.

My clinical trial work has shifted to focus on industry sponsored trials in obesity, diabetes, lipid disorders and fatty liver disease. I have clinical expertise in the treatment of obesity and related endocrinology disorders combined with research expertise in reproductive endocrinology in the effects of sex steroids on health and disease. I am currently developing a clinical trial program in obesity and obesity related disorders in the Department of Medicine’s Clinical Research Unit. As the Director of the UNC Weight Management Program with clinical expertise in the treatment of obesity and related endocrinology disorders I am uniquely qualified to facilitate research, specifically clinical trials, with obesity and obesity related metabolic disorders.