- March 27, 2024Source: ABC Pacific
A decade-long study of Samoan children is shaping our understanding of diabetes
- February 20, 2024Source: BNN
Alarming Rise in Childhood Obesity and Diabetes Uncovered in Samoa, Yale Study Finds
- February 06, 2024
Samoan children as young as six at risk of diabetes, Yale study shows
- October 06, 2023Source: Yale Daily News
Researchers study mental health issues among adolescents in American Samoa
Olaga n. life
Obesity and related cardiometabolic diseases are more prevalent among Pacific Islanders than any other population in the world.
The Obesity, Lifestyle, And Genetic Adaptations (OLAGA; “life” in Samoan) Study Group uses a life course approach to understand the origins of obesity among Samoans and other Pacific Islanders and focuses on developing culturally relevant interventions to reduce the burden of obesity and obesity-related conditions.
Goals of the Research Group
- To conduct epidemiologic research that will serve as the evidence base for developing interventions to prevent obesity
- To develop and rigorously test novel intervention approaches targeted at early life prevention of obesity and associated cardiometabolic disease
- To enhance community partnerships for local and regional capacity building
Ongoing Studies
We have several ongoing studies in Samoa and American Samoa. To read more about these studies visit our Research and Publications pages. Follow us on Facebook for study updates.
Dr. Nicky Hawley's op-ed about how a tragic 2019 measles outbreak may have left Samoa unusually prepared for COVID-19.
Dr. Nicky Hawley's Podcast on the "Sausage of Science" with Cara Ocobock and Chris Lynn from the Human Biology Association.
Obesity and Maternal Child Health - Addressing the effects of rapid urbanization in American Samoa
Featuring Nicola Hawley, Assistant Professor, Chronic Disease Epidemiology