Dr. Robert Newton Jr. Appointed to American Heart Association Physical Activity Committee
July 2, 2026 · Baton Rouge, LA
Dr. Robert Newton Jr., Director of the Preventive Behavioral Medicine Laboratory, was appointed to the
Physical Activity Committee of the American Heart Association’s Council on Lifestyle
and Cardiometabolic Health. His two-year term will begin July 1, 2026, and continue
through June 30, 2028.
The Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health promotes the advancement and exchange
of knowledge related to nutrition, physical activity, metabolism, cardiovascular disease
and stroke prevention. As a member of the Physical Activity Committee, Dr. Newton
will help guide research priorities, contribute to the development of scientific advisories
and guidelines, support educational programming and advance initiatives that promote
physical activity for cardiovascular health.
This appointment reflects Dr. Newton’s expertise in physical activity research and
his ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes through innovative, community-centered
approaches.
Dr. Newton's research interests center on addressing health disparities in African
American children, adults, and older adults. Much of his work involves testing the
effectiveness of physical activity promotion interventions on diabetes and cognitive
outcomes. Dr. Newton takes a community-engaged research approach and integrates technology
to develop and implement physical activity interventions. Studies designed to improve
the health of African American men is also a key component of his work.
Currently, Dr. Newton leads several physical activity promotion programs in African
Americans, including a community-based program for older adults, a technology-based
intervention for men and a father/father figure to promote physical activity in their
children.
For more information contact: Ernie Ballard, Senior Director of Communications & Marketing, ernie.ballard@pbrc.edu, 225-263-2677. About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery
as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease,
cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has the vision to lead the world in promoting
nutrition and metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific
discoveries that create solutions from cells to society. The Center conducts basic,
clinical and population research, and is a campus in the LSU System. The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 600 employees within
a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 16 highly specialized core
service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research
trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians and other support personnel. Pennington
Biomedical is a globally recognized state-of-the-art research institution in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana. For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center
6400 Perkins Road
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