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"The increasing prevalence of obesity, along with its co-morbidities, is a major public health concern. With two-thirds of Americans being overweight or obese, we should not underestimate the importance of research that addresses the most effective methods for the prevention and treatment of obesity. The battle against obesity can only be won through collaborative efforts among researchers, practitioners, community agencies and industry."

Research Faculty

Bonnie Brehm, PhD, RD

Associate Professor

College of Nursing University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210038, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0038
Phone: 513/558-7502
Fax: 513/558-2142
Bonnie.Brehm@UC.Edu

EDUCATION

1975, BS, Dietetics, University of Cincinnati
1979, MEd, Nutrition, University of Cincinnati
1994, PhD, Interdisciplinary (nutrition, psychology, counseling), University of Cincinnati

BACKGROUND

Prior to her academic career, Bonnie Brehm worked as a clinical dietitian in hospital and outpatient settings, where her interest in the treatment of obesity began. She has continued to develop her clinical and research expertise in the area of obesity, particularly in weight loss diets.

TEACHING

Professor Brehm is known for her expertise in the field of nutrition, especially in the area of obesity. She holds a faculty position in the College of Nursing and serves as Nutrition Coordinator in the College of Medicine. Over the past 20 years, Professor Brehm has taught numerous graduate and undergraduate nutrition courses for health professions students, including dietetics, nursing, and medical students. In addition to nutrition courses, she has participated in the development and implementation of interdisciplinary courses, such as Case Studies in Interdisciplinary Health Care and Integrative Therapies for the Health Sciences.

SERVICE

University
Professor Brehm has provided extensive service to the University by holding administrative positions and by serving as chair/member of several committees at the department and college levels.

Professional
Professor Brehm is active in the dietetics profession at the local, state, and national levels. She has served as President of the Greater Cincinnati Dietetic Association and as Chair of the Committee on Professional Issues of the Greater Cincinnati Dietetic Association and the Ohio Dietetic Association. In addition, she serves as a book and manuscript reviewer for several professional journals, including the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

HONORS & AWARDS

Professor Brehm has received recognition for her contributions in the areas of teaching, research and service with the following awards:

• Ohio Dietetic Association's nominee for ADA Outstanding Dietetics Educator Award, 2000
• Research Dietitian Award, Ohio Dietetic Association, 2001
• Recognition of Contributions, Netwellness Consumer Health Information (University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, & Case Western Reserve University), 2002
• Excellence in Research Award, College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, 2002
• Outstanding Service Award, College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, 2005

RESEARCH

Professor Brehm has been involved in research in the area of eating disorders and obesity for the past decade. Her recent research projects focused on the effects of macronutrients in the diet on anthropometric and metabolic parameters in overweight persons. She received funding from the American Heart Association to compare the effects of a very low carbohydrate diet and a calorie-controlled low fat diet on body weight, body composition, and cardiovascular risk factors in obese women. Her co-investigators were David D’Alessio, MD, Randy Seeley, PhD, and Stephen Daniels, MD, PhD. This study was the first randomized, controlled trial that examined the effects of a low carbohydrate diet over six months. A second clinical trial funded by the American Heart Association compared the effects of the low carbohydrate diet and calorie-controlled low fat diet on energy expenditure, in addition to anthropometric and metabolic parameters. The timeliness of the research topic and its unanticipated results have resulted in local, national, and international media coverage of their clinical research. Professor Brehm is often quoted in articles in newspapers, magazines, and professional resources in regard to popular diets, such as the low carbohydrate diet.

Currently, Professor Brehm is involved in three funded research projects.  She is conducting a clinical trial, funded by the American Diabetes Association, which compares the effects of a traditional low fat, high carbohydrate diet and a high monounsaturated fat diet (i.e., a Mediterranean-type diet) on body weight, cardiovascular risk factors, and glycemic control in overweight/obese persons with type 2 diabetes. David D'Alessio, MD, is the co-investigator of this project. The results of this randomized, controlled trial will provide critical information about diet recommendations for optimal metabolic outcomes in diabetes.

Professor Brehm (Co-Principal Investigator) and colleague, Professor Donna Gates (Principal Investigator) obtained funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test the effectiveness of an environmental intervention to prevent or reduce obesity at small manufacturing companies. The purpose of this trial is to determine the effect of the intervention on health-promoting behaviors, cardiovascular and diabetic risk factors, and productivity costs related to absences and work limitations.

Professor Brehm also serves as a Co-Investigator for a randomized, controlled, clinical trial that is funded by the Thrasher Research Fund Foundation which compares the safety and effectiveness of a low-carbohydrate diet, low-glycemic index diet, and standard, moderately low-fat diet for the treatment of overweight children.

PUBLICATIONS