Valerie H. Taylor MD, PhD

Dr. Valerie Taylor’s academic focus is on obesity, metabolic syndrome, and mental health in both adults and children. She is interested in the developmental origins and common pathophysiology of obesity, diabetes, and depression, the concept of food addiction, and the impact of pharmacotherapy on weight and behavior.

By examining the complex relationships between mental health, obesity and chronic disease, Dr. Taylor’s research seeks to understand why people with mental illness are likely to die 15 years younger than the average lifespan. With this information, she is committed to creating more evidence-based tools that help people to manage their weight effectively, and in a way that is safe and healthy for their minds and bodies. In addition to leading and co-authoring numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, Dr. Taylor is the author of The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Weight Management: A Step by Step Program for Real People.