The research of Michael D. Jensen, M.D., explores the effects of obesity and how body fat and body fat distribution influence health. Body fat also is called adipose tissue. The regulated uptake, storage and release of fatty acids from adipose tissue play a major role in determining its health effects.

Dr. Jensen's research involves measuring free fatty acid release to relate these factors to organ and tissue function. He also measures the uptake of fatty acids into muscle, heart and adipose tissue to determine whether preferential uptake of fat can predispose people to obesity, insulin resistance, heart failure or a specific body fat distribution. Dr. Jensen assesses the cellular fates of fatty acids and the cell processes responsible for these steps.

The long-term goal of Dr. Jensen's research is to understand the regulation of body fat function and body fat distribution. This research will help develop new approaches to improve the health of humans affected by obesity or excess fat.