In Profile: Anthony Hanley

Despite recent advancements in our understanding of childhood obesity, there is much more to learn. 

“We certainly know that problems like poverty and energy imbalance are major factors that lead to childhood obesity, but there are still huge knowledge gaps,” says Anthony Hanley, an associate professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. “But it is an extremely complex phenomenon. We need to understand the full spectrum of its causes so we can prevent and treat it more effectively.”

Hanley’s research on the metabolic and lifestyle factors leading to diabetes in vulnerable populations has provided a better understanding of the early causes of that disease. He is also helping to develop new prevention and treatment strategies.

“What we are learning about diabetes is consistent in some ways with what we know about childhood obesity: both conditions can be traced back to the very early years in a person’s life,” says Hanley, who holds the Canada Research Chair in the Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes.

Increasing evidence shows that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood is linked to environments and nutrition in early childhood, and even in the womb. “Our work can help to assemble the pieces of the puzzle for complex health and disease problems affecting our society,” says Hanley. “Creating a robust scientific evidence base is critically important to address the growing problem of childhood obesity and its downstream consequences — including diabetes.”