Gupta Lab

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

Illustration of brain and gut
Arpana Gupta, PhD

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.

Illustration of various racial profile silhouettes
Little boy crying

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

An image of the brain

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.

Little boy crying

The association between disadvantaged neighborhoods and cortical microstructure and their relation to obesity

According to newly published research in Nature, living in a disadvantaged neighborhood can affect food choices, weight gain and even the microstructure of the brain.

Colored Woman

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.