Life Course Obesity Research Informatics Core

Abstract/Summary – LORIC The goal of Life Course Obesity Research Informatics Core (LORIC) of the Michigan Nutrition Obesity Research Center (MNORC) is to offer a robust research infrastructure for nutrition and obesity investigators conducting clinical and translational research. The specific aims of the LORIC are: (1) To facilitate access to comprehensive real-world data sources including electronic health records, insurance claims, and pharmacy claims at the health system, state, and national level to support robust translational research targeting nutritional and overweight/obesity outcomes over the life course; (2) To deliver expert consultation and specialized services in health information technology for nutrition and obesity research; and (3) To offer direct access to datasets and biospecimens from local and international cohorts that focus on nutrition, obesity, growth, and development over the life course. The expanded LORIC supports MNORC investigators across all translational stages of research with the opportunity to conduct observational research and implement and evaluate sustainable and scalable interventions in the real-world healthcare delivery system, by leveraging the electronic health record and health information technology as well as rich data and biospecimens from existing cohorts to address unanswered questions focused on the etiology, prevention, treatment, and long-term consequences of overweight and obesity across the lifespan.