Reason Established: Established within Texas AgriLife Research, Texas AgriLife Extension and Texas A&M University, the Center was administratively located withing Texas AgriLife Research. It was upgraded to an Institute by approval of the Chancellor in 8 Aug, 2007. The Institure will conduct research and facilitate research collaborations and partnerships to improve health and help prevent the increased incidence of obesity and associated co-morbidities in the state of Texas and beyond. It's Mission is to: discover new biological/physiological mechanisms that influence hunger, satiety weight gain, loss, and maintenance; examine and evaluate policies and programs aimed to decrease the incidence of obesity for effectiveness; and facilitate broad-based partnerships with academicians, clinicians, etc. and fast-track the translation of research finding to individuals and communities. Contact: Peter S. Murano; 458-0946; pdmurano@tamu.edu; <> [pdf of documents on file]