For more than 35+ years, the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation has been the engine behind the research that changes how the world understands and treats obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease. Here is what that support has made possible.
By the Numbers
44,000+
Clinical Trial Participants
Individuals who have participated in Pennington Biomedical clinical trials, generating the evidence base that informs national treatment guidelines.
135+
Department of Defense Studies
Research studies funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, addressing metabolic health, physical performance, and readiness for America’s service members.
#1
DASH Diet Ranking
The DASH diet — developed in part through Pennington research — has been ranked the #1 overall diet by U.S. News & World Report for more than a decade.
35+
Years of Discovery
Decades of sustained, independent research funded by private support — the kind no federal grant can touch and no commercial interest can direct.
Firsts That Changed Medicine
World & National Firsts
Pioneering Research, Only Possible Here
- Home of the world’s only infant metabolic chamber — allowing scientists to precisely measure an infant’s energy expenditure for the first time.
- Site of the nation’s largest ongoing brain health study, linking metabolic factors to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s risk.
- Contributed foundational research to every approved obesity and type 2 diabetes drug on the market today.
- Pioneered population-level studies connecting diet, physical activity, and chronic disease across diverse Louisiana communities.
- Launched the Greaux Healthy initiative — a community-based program delivering evidence-based nutrition and wellness to underserved parishes.
Research Areas
Foundation gifts support 11 designated research areas — or unrestricted science at the investigators’ discretion.
Basic Research
Cancer Prevention
Diabetes
Greaux Healthy / Pediatrics
Healthy Aging
Nutrition
Obesity
Population Health
Postdoctoral Fellows
Women’s Health
Unrestricted Support
Fuel the Next Breakthrough
Your Gift Funds the Science That Saves Lives
Every gift — of any size — directly advances independent research that fights obesity, diabetes, and chronic disease for generations to come.