Congratulations Dr. Jack Rejeski, Professor of Health & Exercise Science!

Congratulations to Dr. Jack Rejeski, Professor of Health and Exercise Science, whose proposal entitled “Long-term function and health effects of intentional weight loss in obese elders” has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and by (subaward/subcontract from) Wake Forest University Health Sciences.

The study, “Long-term function and health effects of intentional weight loss in obese elders,” will examine the long-term effects of several clinical trials of weight loss in older adults conducted by Wake Forest investigators over the past decade. While one goal is to evaluate whether the interventions led to long-term sustainability of the initial weight loss and improvement in function observed in these studies, we will also evaluate effects on mortality and quality of life. Dr. Rejeski has been teaching for HES since September of 1978. He is internationally known for his research on lifestyle interventions in aging with a focus on the preservation of mobility and independence. He currently is the primary investigator on the EMPOWER study with his colleague Dr. Nicklas. This study is examining whether intervening on sedentary behavior can prevent weight regain following intentional weight loss. He is also the primary investigator leading the intervention core for a NIH consortium studying the molecular basis for the health effects of exercise across the Lifespan—MoTrPAC. The overarching goal of Dr. Rejeski’s work has been to better under the powerful interactive role of the mind and body on health outcomes as people age.