Obesity has been recognized as an epidemic by scholars, and lay audiences. It is arguably the single most pressing public health challenge facing the United States today. HHP uses a multilevel approach to the Ph.D. in Kinesiology with emphasis in obesity studies. The track includes faculty with research expertise spanning from the cell to society - including biological, behavioral, sociocultural, psychological and environmental perspectives, while also identifying and understanding the precursors, correlates, effective interventions and consequences of obesity. The translational obesity studies curriculum offers a unique, comprehensive approach to the public health issue particularly germane to our times.