Center Director and Associate Professor
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston)
Leah Whigham, PhD, FTOS, is the Director of the Center for Community Health Impact (CCHI) and Associate Professor with The University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health in the Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences in El Paso, Texas. Dr. Whigham has over 25 years of experience in basic, clinical, and community sciences in the fields of obesity and nutrition. Her research has increased our understanding of metabolism as it relates to obesity, the influence of nutrients and immune function on obesity, and the impact of the environment on nutrition and physical activity. Driven by the needs of the community and informed by the best science, the CCHI provides a bridge between research and application to effectively mobilize individuals, families, organizations, and communities to build a culture of health. This community-driven approach has led to advances in the Paso del Norte region related to clinical management of obesity by primary care providers, healthy food access and resilient food systems, school health and wellness, workplace wellness, air quality and health, and overall strengthening of programming and policies related to healthy eating, active living, and obesity. Dr. Whigham’s focus on translation of science has led to two patents, development of 2 software programs to facilitate clinical management and dietary treatment of obesity. Dr. Whigham chairs Live Smart Texas, a statewide coalition that focuses on obesity, and serves on the steering committee of Partnership for a Healthy Texas, which develops and promotes policies and supports programs that address obesity and improve the health of Texas communities. Dr. Whigham is Editor-in-Chief of the scientific journal Nutrition & Diabetes. She has served in numerous leadership positions for and is a fellow of The Obesity Society.