About the Study

Attention Women: Ever wonder why some women carry weight below the waist while others carry it above the waist?

Did you know that where you carry your weight may affect your health? Pennington Biomedical is seeking women to participate in a research study to determine why women carry weight differently and how it may affect health. The body shape of women varies between having the majority of weight either above the waist (“apple” shape) or below the waist (“pear” shape). Research has shown that “pear”-shaped women tend to have better health. In this research study, we will explore what restricts “apple”-shaped women from being “pear”-shaped at the cellular level and having the same level of health. The study will look at differences in the formation of new fat cells between the fat tissue from the abdomen and the thigh.

Participants in this study must be female, aged 18-40 years and not have smoked in the past six months. During your 7 months as a participant, you will be asked to attend one screening visit and 21 outpatient clinic visits at Pennington Biomedical Research Center. All study-related procedures will be done at no cost to you and you will receive compensation up to $1400 for participation.

Please see the Pennington Biomedical Research Center Notice of Privacy Practices Protected Health Information for more information on how your medical information is protected.

You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:

If you think you may be eligible, please click the button below.



Please do not fill out this questionnaire for anyone other than yourself unless you are their legal guardian.  If you know someone who may be interested please direct them to the site or have them call us directly at 225-763-3000.