The GROklahoma Podcast Show | The Obesity Pandemic & Other Stories – The One with Dr. Sarah Borengasser: Episode 11 (2024)

In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Borengasser, an Associate Professor specializing in endocrinology and diabetes at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Borengasser shared her journey from being adopted from Korea and growing up in Mason City to becoming a distinguished researcher in obesity, nutrition, and exercise science, driven by her passion for running and exercise. Her research, supported by consistent NIH funding, employs advanced multiomics techniques to identify molecular biomarkers affected by environmental exposures, particularly in epigenetics. Dr. Borengasser explained her research in accessible terms, emphasizing her mission to promote public health through improved nutrition and physical activity. She discussed combating the global obesity pandemic with personalized lifestyle approaches and we explored topics such as GLP-1 agonists and epigenetic age acceleration, considering how diet and exercise can potentially reverse aging processes. She also highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in obesity research, emphasizing the fusion of biological and behavioral sciences.

On a personal note, Dr. Borengasser discussed her family's transition to Oklahoma and the strategies they've adopted to balance her professional and personal life effectively. Her dedication to mentoring emerged as she reflected on the rewarding experiences of guiding young scientists and shared strategies for maintaining resilience in her career. Beyond research, Dr. Borengasser contributes to enhancing communication among researchers through a TED-like talk series, advocating for effective scientific communication.

In conclusion, Dr. Borengasser envisioned precision lifestyle research as transformative for public health, showcasing her groundbreaking contributions to clinical and translational research. We thank Dr. Borengasser for sharing her expertise and look forward to future conversations with her and other inspiring researchers and those who support them.