David B Sarwer

David B. Sarwer is the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Partnerships and Director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE) at Temple University's College of Public Health. He is also a Professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, where he leads a robust research program focused on obesity, bariatric surgery, and the psychological aspects of physical appearance.

• Senior Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Partnerships, College of Public Health, Temple University
• Director, Center for Obesity Research and Education (CORE)
• Professor, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Sarwer earned his PhD and MA in Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a BA in Psychology from Tulane University. His research spans obesity treatment, behavioral interventions, weight bias, and body image, particularly in medical contexts such as bariatric surgery, oncology, and reproductive health. He has led NIH-funded research continuously since 2002 and has published over 300 papers.

His recent publications highlight interdisciplinary work in obesity science, trauma-informed care, neighborhood health disparities, and gender-affirming procedures. The articles reflect strong collaborations in public health, surgery, psychology, and oncology, with a growing emphasis on social determinants and psychosocial outcomes.

• Founding Editor-in-Chief, Obesity Science and Practice
• Co-Editor, CommonHealth
• Associate Editor, Obesity Surgery
• Consulting Editor, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Aesthetic Surgery Journal
• Editorial Board Member, multiple journals
• Co-Editor, Special Issue of The American Psychologist on Obesity (2020)

Dr. Sarwer has secured continuous research funding from the National Institutes of Health since 2002 and has served as editor for three influential books. He mentors numerous researchers and collaborates widely across disciplines. He leads the CORE team and contributes to national guidance on obesity management, including for patients with kidney disease and cancer survivors. His work on vascularized composite allotransplantation, funded by the Department of Defense, explores the psychosocial experiences of military veterans.

He is actively involved in shaping policy and clinical practice through editorial leadership, commentary, and interdisciplinary research.