My research aims to reduce the escalation of obesity and its related diseases by exploring important research questions related to the intersection between public policy and obesity prevention/control. Most of my research has focused on understanding global trends in adult obesity, obesity-related risk communication, access to health care services for individuals with obesity-related conditions and trends in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. Going forward, I am particularly interested in examining disparities in practice patterns of obesity care and novel environmental strategies designed to reduce caloric consumption or increase physical activity.

adult obesity (assessment, global trends, causes, health consequences, prevention); policy analysis; access to care for chronic diseases; health disparities; vulnerable populations; international health; obesity-related risk communication; complex data analysis

Most Outstanding Abstract, International Conference on Obesity 2006 – Sydney, Australia (“Does utilization of hypertensive treatment among Mexican adults depend on supply side infrastructure or insurance status?”)

Harvard GSAS Dissertation Completion Fellowship, 2006 – 2007

Harvard Graduate Prize Fellowship, 2003 - 2006

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Training Grant (T32), 2002-2003

Bleich SN, Blendon RJ, "Public opinion and obesity," in Robert J. Blendon, Drew E. Altman, Mollyann Brodie, and John M. Benson eds., American Public Opinion and Health Care Policy (Washington: CQ Press, forthcoming 2010), Chapter 17.

Bleich SN. (2009) “A roadmap for encouraging a healthier environment.” Epidemic Proportions. Vol.6 Issue 1. 41-43. Article

Bleich SN and Sturm R (2009). “Developing policy solutions for a more active nation: Integrating economic and public health perspectives.” Preventive Medicine. Vol 49. 306-308. Article

Huizinga MM, Beach MC, Bleich SN, Clark JM, Cooper LA (2009). “Physician Respect for Patients with Obesity”, Journal of General Internal Medicine. Vol 9. 1104-8. Article

Bleich SN (2009). "The Role of Health Professionals in Reducing Obesity Disparities." Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care. Vol. 4 (1), 3-5. Editorial

Bleich SN, Özaltin E, Murray CJL (2009). "What is the relationship between satisfaction with the health care system and patient experience?" Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Vol. 87, 271-278. Article

Bleich SN, Wang YC, Wang Y, Gortmaker SL (2009). “Increasing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among U.S. adults: 1988-1994 to 1999-2004” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vol. 89 No. 1, 372-381. Article

Bleich SN (2008). "Public perception of overweight." BMJ. Vol. 337, a347. Editorial

Wang YC, Bleich SN, Gortmaker SL (2008). "Increasing caloric contribution from sugar-sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juices among US children and adolescents, 1988-2004." Pediatrics. Vol. 121 No. 6, e1604-e1614. Article

Bleich SN, Cutler D, Murray CJL, and Adams A (2008). “Why is the developed world obese?” Annual Review of Public Health Vol. 29, 273-295. Article

Bleich SN, Cutler D, Adams A, Lozano R, Murray CJL (2007). “Impact of insurance and supply of health professionals on coverage of treatment for hypertension in Mexico: Population based study.” BMJ. Vol. 335 No. 7625, 875-882 Article

Bleich SN, Blendon RJ, and Adams A (2007). “Trust in scientific experts on obesity: Implications for awareness and behavior change.” Obesity. Vol. 15, No. 8, 2145-2156. Article

Bleich SN (2007). “Is it all in a word? The effect of question wording on US support of HIV/AIDS spending.” Harvard International Journal of Press and Politics. Vol. 12, No. 2, 120-132. Article

Bleich SN and Taylor-Clark K (2005). “Black men on the “down low” and the HIV epidemic: The need for research and intervention strategies.” Harvard Journal of African American Public Policy. Vol. 11, 13-20.

Bleich SN. “Medical errors: Five years after the IOM report,” Policy brief prepared for the John F. Kennedy School of Government/Commonwealth Fund Bipartisan Congressional Health Policy Conference, January 2005, Aventura, Florida. Article