Antonio Rene, PhD Biography
- Title:
- Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Texas A&M Health Science Center
- Position:
- Pro to the question "Is Obesity a Disease?"
- Reasoning:
-
“Contrary to just being a medical condition or risk factor for other diseases, obesity is a complex disease of multifaceted aetiology, with its own disabling capacities, pathophysiologies and comorbidities. It meets the medical definition of disease in that it is a physiological dysfunction of the human organism with environmental, genetic and endocrinological aetiologies. It is a response to environmental stimuli, genetic predisposition and abnormalities, and has a characteristic set of signs and symptoms with consistent anatomical alterations. Excess adipose tissue increases the work of the heart and leads to anatomical changes in this organ. It alters pulmonary, endocrine and immunological functions, all with adverse effects on health. Some of the complications of obesity include cardiovascular disease, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis and cancer. Given the excess mortality, substantial morbidity and the economic toll of obesity, this is a disease that warrants serious attention by the medical community.”
“Obesity as a Disease: No Lightweight Matter,” Obesity Reviews, May 2004
- Involvement and Affiliations:
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- Associate Professor of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1997-present
- Member, American College of Epidemiology
- Member, Society for Epidemiologic Research
- Member, American Public Health Association
- Awarded Outstanding Faculty Member in the Area of Education, School of Public Health University of North Texas Health Science Center, 2004
- Awarded Outstanding Faculty Advisor, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 2003
- Director, Sponsored Research, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1999-2001
- Associate Director, Institute for Public Health Research, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1999-2001
- Director, PhD Public Health/Preventive Medicine Program, Public Health Program, Department of Public Health/Preventive Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1997-2000
- Director, Student Affairs and Research, Public Health/Preventive Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 1997-Sep. 1999
- Education:
-
- PhD, Epidemiology, University of Texas School of Public Health, 1990
- MPH, Disease Control, University of Texas School of Public Health, 1982
- BS, Biology, Southern University Baton Rouge, 1975
- Other:
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- None found
- Quoted in:
- Pro & Con Quotes: Is Obesity a Disease?