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​​​​​​​​​​Center for upstream prevention of adiposity and diabetes mellitus – UPSTREAM Center​​

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​​Adiposity (or obesity), and diabetes are two closely related conditions that have become increasingly prevalent in the U.S. in both adults and children. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the upstream risk factors which are the earlier and the root causes for these conditions from society to biology including the following factors: societal, physical and chemical (such as neighborhood factors and chemicals that affect human metabolism), medical, psychosocial, behavioral and biological factors. Understanding upstream risk factors will help to identify targets for upstream prevention strategies before symptoms of obesity and diabetes (such as higher blood glucose levels) develop​. While there are many factors that contribute to the development of obesity and diabetes, upstream prevention during early life and susceptible life periods can be a powerful way to reduce their incidence. 



Our Mission​​​​​

The mission of the UPSTREAM Center is to conduct research on the upstream prevention of adiposity and diabetes by identifying risk factors and conducting interventions early in life and during critical periods of life to prevent the onset of these conditions. ​​​

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​​Our Focus​​​​

  • The UPSTREAM Center focuses on training the next generation of researchers and collaborating with clinicians to implement effective screening and intervention strategies to prevent obesity and diabetes in clinical care. The center will also interact with community members, stakeholders, and clinicians to inform health policies and prevention strategies to reduce the population burden of obesity and diabetes.

  • The UPSTREAM Center is embedded in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California integrated healthcare delivery system and its faculty have strong ties with clinicians and health care programs, facilitating the implementatio​n of research findings in clinical care. 
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