Gupta Lab
Researching the bidirectional interactions between the brain and the gut in shaping health and disease


About Us
Dr. Gupta’s research aims to bring a systems biology-based, comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology underlying human obesity and the cluster of obesity-related conditions known as metabolic syndrome.
Sex and Race Differences
One barrier to progress in developing effective treatments for obesity may be the inconsistent consideration of sex and race differences in the underlying mechanisms.


Environmental Influences
Psychosocial, cultural and environmental challenges, such as adverse childhood experiences, acculturation, neighborhood safety, family environment, and socioeconomic status heighten stress-related biological and behavioral pathways that increase the vulnerability to disease-promoting behaviors.
Latest News

Men and women have different obesity drivers, pointing to the need for tailored interventions
A new study from UCLA researchers finds sex-specific brain signals that appear to confirm that different drivers lead men and women to develop obesity.

Research featured on TODAY Show on how brains impact weight gain in men and women differently
Advanced brain scans are revealing the differences in how men and women gain weight and how that can impact our eating habits. This research has huge implications for treatment. Emotion regulation techniques, mood and vulnerability factors for women, which may not be as pertinent variables to highlight when implementing obesity-interventions for men, should be considered.

Everyday experiences of racism can impact your brain-gut microbiome
It’s been proven that experiencing systematic racism negatively affects one’s mental health. But it can also lead to diseases associated with inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune inflammatory disease, according a recent study published in Biological Psychiatry.