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Thank you for supporting the MOTIVATE Lab at NYU Langone Health. 

1. Social Determinants and Weight Loss Outcomes

We’re supporting a junior investigator from an underrepresented background to explore how neighborhood factors like discrimination and food access affect obesity treatment success. This work will guide the design of more equitable weight loss programs and support future NIH-funded research.

Funding Goal: $135,200 Covers salary support and research operations to study the real-world impact of social determinants of health.

2. Understanding Barriers to Obesity Treatment

Despite the promise of new medications with names like semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) and tirzepatide ( Zepbound, Mounjaro), many patients discontinue use early. We’re supporting a junior investigator to lead patient-centered interviews exploring how to better support people taking these medications, including lifestyle change. This research will drive the development of better adherence strategies, especially for underserved communities.

Funding Goal: $135,200 Supports investigator salary and research coordination.

3. Peer Coaching for Obesity Care

Breakthrough medications only work if patients stay on them. We're piloting a peer coaching program using real-time support via text and trained health coaches. This model could revolutionize obesity care by improving adherence and long-term outcomes—especially for vulnerable patients.

Funding Goal: $200,000 for pilot | $1 million for full RCT Develops and tests a scalable intervention combining tech and human connection.

4. Launching Diverse Clinical Research Careers (REDI-STEPP)

We’re building a local pipeline of clinical research professionals from South Brooklyn through our REDI-STEPP program at Kingsborough Community College. Your support will help fund paid internships, mentorship, and training for community college students—many of whom are first-generation college students—preparing them to tackle health challenges in the communities they call home.

Funding Goal: $100,000 Supports stipends, mentorship, and internships for 8 students.

Visit our lab page for more information about our work: https://med.nyu.edu/research/jay-lab/