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Duke Health News

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DURHAM, N.C. -- The Robert C. Atkins Foundation has given $2
million to the Duke University School of Medicine to fund an
endowed professorship as well as for research, clinical care
and education in the areas of nutrition and metabolism.

"We are grateful to Mrs. (Veronica) Atkins and the Atkins
Foundation," said Duke University President Richard H.
Brodhead. "Obesity is one of the leading chronic health
problems in this country and globally, and it is linked to a
host of other medical illnesses in both adults and children.
The Atkins Foundation's generous gift will advance scientific
research already underway at Duke to understand why obesity is
increasing at such alarming rates and what we can do to improve
treatment and prevention."

The endowed professorship will be named the Robert C. and
Veronica Atkins Professorship in nutrition and metabolism. In
recognition of the gift, Veronica Atkins, the wife of the late
Dr. Robert C. Atkins and chair of the board of directors of the
Atkins Foundation, will be honored at the 12th annual Duke Palm
Beach Health Forum at the Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, Fla., on
Thursday, March 3.

"This professorship and associated research funding will
advance the Atkins Foundation's objective to combat the obesity
epidemic in America by supporting Duke's rigorous scientific
analysis and evidence-based research in the field of
nutrition," Atkins said.

Dr. Victor Dzau, chancellor for health affairs and president
and CEO of the Duke University Health System, said that
researchers from diverse disciplines at Duke -- including
genetics, biochemistry, psychology, surgery, nutrition, and
metabolism -- are exploring the many factors surrounding
obesity. "We are pleased and honored by the Atkins Foundation's
investment in our research into the complexities of obesity,"
Dzau said.
_ _ _ _

The Atkins Foundation, established in 1999, collaborates
with leading professionals and organizations nationwide to fund
research in nutrition and the management and treatment of
obesity and associated diseases. With nearly $40 million in
assets, it is managed by the National Philanthropic Trust, an
independent charity and one of the top 40 grant makers in the
United States.