Bioenergetic health and health behavior

This study, “The Energy Cost Related to Chronic Stress and Its Effect on Fat Accumulation in Adults Experiencing High Perceived Stress,” is investigating how stress affects metabolism, nutrient use, and hunger-related hormones. In one or two visits to UAB (about two hours total), you’ll have a body scan that shows your muscle, fat, and bone levels, and we’ll measure how much energy (calories) your body burns when you’re resting. Eligibility 25–50 years old Have high perceived stress Have a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 Do not have chronic medical conditions Are not taking medications that affect metabolism or body composition Exercise less than two hours per week Reimbursement Participants will receive $70 in compensation. Contact and registration Link: https://redcap.link/stresscost Phone: 205-934-9460 Yenni Cedillo, PhD, RD (Principal Investigator) Email: yennicj@uab.edu

Researchers want to develop a Community Health Worker (CHW)-delivered exercise program to help pregnant women stay active, and they need your help! The goal of this study is to understand how we can help you help pregnant women become more active through resistance training (exercises that make your muscles stronger). We also want to get your feedback on how to best design this program. To participate, you must be: Currently employed by a CHW organization as a CHW, including roles such as peer educator, outreach worker, or lay health advisor, but not as a licensed clinical health care provider. Have at least 6 months of direct experience supporting pregnant women in community-based services or maternal health research (e.g., home visits, prenatal education, case management or referrals, maternal health research studies or programs). Eligible individuals will complete online questionnaires (one time, ≤30 minutes) and a 1-on-1 online interview with study staff (~1 hour). Compensation provided. Contact the study team at StrongRoots@uabmc.edu or 205-934-2872 for more information.

Researchers want to learn how to help expecting mothers stay active throughout pregnancy through resistance training (exercises that make your muscles stronger, also known as strength training). The goal of this study is to understand how we can help you and women like you become more active through resistance training. We also want to get your feedback on how to best design a resistance training program for pregnant women. To participate: You must be 18-45 years old and currently pregnant (6-37 weeks gestation) Receiving prenatal care at UAB or planning to deliver at UAB Hospital AND At least one of these applies to you: Participate in public assistance programs such as Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, free or reduced-priced school meals, etc. Before pregnancy: Had obesity, high blood pressure, or diabetes For the first time during pregnancy: Had high blood sugar, or high blood pressure with or without signs of organ involvement Your baby was: Smaller or larger than expected in the womb, didn’t weigh enough at birth, or was born too early. Eligible participants will complete online questionnaires (one time, ≤30 minutes) and a 1-on-1 online interview with study staff (~1 hour). Compensation provided. Contact the study team at StrongRoots@uabmc.edu or 205-934-2872 for more information.