Dan Bessesen, MD

Professional Titles

• Director, Anschutz Health and Wellness Center
• Staff Endocrinologist

Recognitions

• 5280 Magazine listing as one of the “Best Doctors in Denver”, 5280 magazine (2023)
• Florence Rena Sabin Award for Exceptional Contributions to the Health of Citizens of Colorado, University of Colorado, School of Medicine (2023)
• Nutrition Obesity Research Center "Outstanding Mentor", NIH funded NORC (2023)
• President, The Obesity Society (2022)
• Kaiser Permanente Teaching Award (Basic Science), University of Colorado, School of Medicine (2020)
• 5280 Magazine listing as one of the “Best Doctors in Denver”, 5280 magazine (2019)
• Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of Colorado (2018)

Research Interests

I have conducted studies on the regulation of body weight for more than 20 years. I have also conduced studies on the clinical care of people living with obesity. Studies have extended from animal models of obesity to physiological studies in human subjects to analyses of large clinical data sets. Physiological studies have utilized measures of energy expenditure using indirect calorimetry by hood or room, metabolic tracer turnover studies, functional brain imaging studies in response to food related stimuli and controlled feeding paradigms. Subjects that vary in propensity to weight gain (naturally thin, obesity prone, obese, reduced obese) have been studied in conditions of energy imbalance (overfeeding, underfeeding, exercise, sedentary).

Publications

• Ard J, Alexander L, Bessesen D, Burridge K, Hashmi SH. Use of Obesity Medications in the Era of GLP-1 Agonists: An Expert Panel Discussion. Perm J. 2024 Dec 16;28(4):7-19. PubMed PMID: 39654407
• Jakicic JM, Kohrt WM, Houmard JA, Miller ME, Radom-Aizik S, Rasmussen BB, Ravussin E, Serra M, Stowe CL, Trappe S, Abouassi H, Adkins JN, Alekel DL, Ashley E, Bamman MM, Bergman BC, Bessesen DH, Broskey NT, Buford TW, Burant CF, Chen H, Christle JW, Clish CB, Coen PM, Collier D, Collins KA, Cooper DM, Cortes T, Cutter GR, Dubis G, Fernández FM, Firnhaber J, Forman DE, Gaul DA, Gay N, Gerszten RE, Goodpaster BH, Gritsenko MA, Haddad F, Huffman KM, Ilkayeva O, Jankowski CM, Jin C, Johannsen NM, Johnson J, Kelly L, Kershaw E, Kraus WE, Laughlin M, Lester B, Lindholm ME, Lowe A, Lu CJ, McGowan J, Melanson EL, Montgomery S, Moore SG, Moreau KL, Muehlbauer M, Musi N, Nair VD, Newgard CB, Newman AB, Nicklas B, Nindl BC, Ormond K, Piehowski PD, Qian WJ, Rankinen T, Rejeski WJ, Robbins J, Rogers RJ, Rooney JL, Rushing S, Sanford JA, Schauer IE, Schwartz RS, Sealfon SC, Slentz C, Sloan R, Smith KS, Snyder M, Spahn J, Sparks LM, Stefanovic-Racic M, Tanner CJ, Thalacker-Mercer A, Tracy R, Trappe TA, Volpi E, Walsh MJ, Wheeler MT, Willis L. Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC): human studies design and protocol. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2024 Sep 1;137(3):473-493. PubMed PMID: 38634503
• Henderson K, Lewis, Sloan CE, Bessesen DH, Arterburn D. Effectiveness and safety of drugs for obesity. BMJ. 2024 Mar 25;384:e072686. PubMed PMID: 38527759
• Vetr NG, Gay NR, Montgomery SB. The impact of exercise on gene regulation in association with complex trait genetics. Nat Commun. 2024 May 1;15(1):3346. PubMed PMID: 38693125
• . Temporal dynamics of the multi-omic response to endurance exercise training. Nature. 2024 May;629(8010):174-183. PubMed PMID: 38693412
• Amar D, Gay NR, Jimenez-Morales D, Jean Beltran PM, Ramaker ME, Raja AN, Zhao B, Sun Y, Marwaha S, Gaul DA, Hershman SG, Ferrasse A, Xia A, Lanza I, Fernández FM, Montgomery SB, Hevener AL, Ashley EA, Walsh MJ, Sparks LM, Burant CF, Rector RS, Thyfault J, Wheeler MT, Goodpaster BH, Coen PM, Schenk S, Bodine SC, Lindholm ME. The mitochondrial multi-omic response to exercise training across rat tissues. Cell Metab. 2024 Jun 4;36(6):1411-1429.e10. PubMed PMID: 38701776
• Schenk S, Sagendorf TJ, Many GM, Lira AK, de Sousa LGO, Bae D, Cicha M, Kramer KS, Muehlbauer M, Hevener AL, Rector RS, Thyfault JP, Williams JP, Goodyear LJ, Esser KA, Newgard CB, Bodine SC. Physiological Adaptations to Progressive Endurance Exercise Training in Adult and Aged Rats: Insights from the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC). Function (Oxf). 2024 Jul 11;5(4). PubMed PMID: 38984994
• Obesity, Goldman-Cecil Medicine, Elsevier, Philadelphia PA 2024 p1463-71
• Hill EB, Konigsberg IR, Ir D, Frank DN, Jambal P, Litkowski EM, Lange EM, Lange LA, Ostendorf DM, Scorsone JJ, Wayland L, Bing K, MacLean PS, Melanson EL, Bessesen DH, Catenacci VA, Stanislawski MA, Borengasser SJ. The Microbiome, Epigenome, and Diet in Adults with Obesity during Behavioral Weight Loss. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 16;15(16). PubMed PMID: 37630778
• Bourdier P, Simon C, Bessesen DH, Blanc S, Bergouignan A. The role of physical activity in the regulation of body weight: The overlooked contribution of light physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Obes Rev. 2023 Feb;24(2):e13528. PubMed PMID: 36394185
• Bourdier P, Simon C, Bessesen DH, Blanc S, Bergouignan A. The role of physical activity in the regulation of body weight: The overlooked contribution of light physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Obes Rev. 2023 Feb;24(2):e13528. PubMed PMID: 36394185
• Hill EB, Siebert JC, Yazza DN, Ostendorf DM, Bing K, Wayland L, Scorsone JJ, Bessesen DH, MacLean PS, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA, Borengasser SJ. Proteomics, dietary intake, and changes in cardiometabolic health within a behavioral weight-loss intervention: A pilot study. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2022 Nov;30(11):2134-2145. PubMed PMID: 36321274
• Ostendorf DM, Caldwell AE, Zaman A, Pan Z, Bing K, Wayland LT, Creasy SA, Bessesen DH, MacLean P, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. Comparison of weight loss induced by daily caloric restriction versus intermittent fasting (DRIFT) in individuals with obesity: study protocol for a 52-week randomized clinical trial. Trials. 2022 Aug 29;23(1):718. PubMed PMID: 36038881
• Creasy SA, Ostendorf DM, Blankenship JM, Grau L, Arbet J, Bessesen DH, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. Effect of sleep on weight loss and adherence to diet and physical activity recommendations during an 18-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Int J Obes (Lond). 2022 Aug;46(8):1510-1517. PubMed PMID: 35577898
• De Jong NP, Rudolph MC, Jackman MR, Sharp RR, Jones K, Houck J, Pan Z, Reusch JEB, MacLean PS, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Short-Term Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity and Metabolic Pathways to Breaking up Sedentary Behaviors in Overweight or Obese Adults. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 20;14(3). PubMed PMID: 35276813
• Creasy SA, Wayland L, Panter SL, Purcell SA, Rosenberg R, Willis EA, Shiferaw B, Grau L, Breit MJ, Bessesen DH, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. Effect of Morning and Evening Exercise on Energy Balance: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 15;14(4). PubMed PMID: 35215466
• Le Roux E, De Jong NP, Blanc S, Simon C, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Physiology of physical inactivity, sedentary behaviours and non-exercise activity: insights from the space bedrest model. J Physiol. 2022 Mar;600(5):1037-1051. PubMed PMID: 33501660
• Hill EB, Siebert JC, Yazza DN, Ostendorf DM, Bing K, Wayland L, Scorsone JJ, Bessesen DH, MacLean PS, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA, Borengasser SJ. Proteomics, dietary intake, and changes in cardiometabolic health within a behavioral weight-loss intervention: A pilot study. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2022 Nov;30(11):2134-2145. PubMed PMID: 36321274
• Ostendorf DM, Caldwell AE, Zaman A, Pan Z, Bing K, Wayland LT, Creasy SA, Bessesen DH, MacLean P, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. Comparison of weight loss induced by daily caloric restriction versus intermittent fasting (DRIFT) in individuals with obesity: study protocol for a 52-week randomized clinical trial. Trials. 2022 Aug 29;23(1):718. PubMed PMID: 36038881
• Creasy SA, Ostendorf DM, Blankenship JM, Grau L, Arbet J, Bessesen DH, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. Effect of sleep on weight loss and adherence to diet and physical activity recommendations during an 18-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Int J Obes (Lond). 2022 Aug;46(8):1510-1517. PubMed PMID: 35577898
• De Jong NP, Rudolph MC, Jackman MR, Sharp RR, Jones K, Houck J, Pan Z, Reusch JEB, MacLean PS, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Short-Term Adaptations in Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Oxidative Capacity and Metabolic Pathways to Breaking up Sedentary Behaviors in Overweight or Obese Adults. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 20;14(3). PubMed PMID: 35276813
• Creasy SA, Wayland L, Panter SL, Purcell SA, Rosenberg R, Willis EA, Shiferaw B, Grau L, Breit MJ, Bessesen DH, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. Effect of Morning and Evening Exercise on Energy Balance: A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2022 Feb 15;14(4). PubMed PMID: 35215466
• Le Roux E, De Jong NP, Blanc S, Simon C, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Physiology of physical inactivity, sedentary behaviours and non-exercise activity: insights from the space bedrest model. J Physiol. 2022 Mar;600(5):1037-1051. PubMed PMID: 33501660
• Kushner RF; Bessesen DH; Gilden AH, Primary Care Evaluation and Management of Obesity, Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia PA 2021
• Ostendorf DM, Blankenship JM, Grau L, Arbet J, Mitchell NS, Creasy SA, Caldwell AE, Melanson EL, Phelan S, Bessesen DH, Catenacci VA. Predictors of long-term weight loss trajectories during a behavioral weight loss intervention: An exploratory analysis. Obes Sci Pract. 2021 Oct;7(5):569-582. PubMed PMID: 34631135
• Stanislawski MA, Frank DN, Borengasser SJ, Ostendorf DM, Ir D, Jambal P, Bing K, Wayland L, Siebert JC, Bessesen DH, MacLean PS, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. The Gut Microbiota during a Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention. Nutrients. 2021 Sep 18;13(9). PubMed PMID: 34579125
• Dahle JH, Ostendorf DM, Pan Z, MacLean PS, Bessesen DH, Heymsfield SB, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. Weight and body composition changes affect resting energy expenditure predictive equations during a 12-month weight-loss intervention. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2021 Oct;29(10):1596-1605. PubMed PMID: 34431624
• Siebert JC, Stanislawski MA, Zaman A, Ostendorf DM, Konigsberg IR, Jambal P, Ir D, Bing K, Wayland L, Scorsone JJ, Lozupone CA, Görg C, Frank DN, Bessesen D, MacLean PS, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA, Borengasser SJ. Multiomic Predictors of Short-Term Weight Loss and Clinical Outcomes During a Behavioral-Based Weight Loss Intervention. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2021 May;29(5):859-869. PubMed PMID: 33811477
• Le Roux E, De Jong NP, Blanc S, Simon C, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Physiology of physical inactivity, sedentary behaviours and non-exercise activity: insights from the space bedrest model. J Physiol. 2021 Jan 27. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33501660
• Fox J, Bessesen D, Cunningham J. Secondary adrenal insufficiency: an insidious consequence of the opioid epidemic?. Postgrad Med J. 2021 Jul;97(1149):432-433. PubMed PMID: 32430440
• Kushner RF; Bessesen DH; Gilden AH, Primary Care Evaluation and Management of Obesity, Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia PA 2021
• Saxon DR, Bessesen DH. Obesity as a Disease in Primary Care Evaluation and Management of Obesity, Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia PA, 2021, p1-16
• Roux EL, De Jong N, Blanc S, Simon C, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Physiology of physical inactivity, sedentary behaviors and non-exercise activity: Insights from space bedrest model. J Physiol. 2021 Jan 27. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 33501660
• Gavin KM, Melanson EL, Hildreth KL, Gibbons E, Bessesen DH, Kohrt WM. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Ovarian Suppression in Premenopausal Women: No Change in Free-Living Energy Expenditure. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020 Nov;28(11):2125-2133. PubMed PMID: 33150745
• Rynders CA, Morton SJ, Bessesen DH, Wright KP Jr, Broussard JL. Circadian Rhythm of Substrate Oxidation and Hormonal Regulators of Energy Balance. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020 Jul;28 Suppl 1:S104-S113. PubMed PMID: 32463976
• Caldwell AE, Zaman A, Ostendorf DM, Pan Z, Swanson BB, Phelan S, Wyatt HR, Bessesen DH, Melanson EL, Catenacci VA. Impact of Combined Hormonal Contraceptive Use on Weight Loss: A Secondary Analysis of a Behavioral Weight-Loss Trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020 Jun;28(6):1040-1049. PubMed PMID: 32441474
• Fox J, Bessesen D, Cunningham J. Secondary adrenal insufficiency: an insidious consequence of the opioid epidemic?. Postgrad Med J. 2020 May 19. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 32430440
• Gavin KM, Bessesen DH. Sex Differences in Adipose Tissue Function. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2020 Jun;49(2):215-228. PubMed PMID: 32418585
• Halliday TM, Rynders CA, Thomas E, Bergouignan A, Pan Z, Kealey EH, Cornier MA, Bessesen DH. Appetite-Related Responses to Overfeeding and Longitudinal Weight Change in Obesity-Prone and Obesity-Resistant Adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020 Feb;28(2):259-267. PubMed PMID: 31970906
• Halliday TM, Rynders CA, Thomas E, Bergouignan A, Pan Z, Kealey EH, Cornier MA, Bessesen DH. Appetite-Related Responses to Overfeeding and Longitudinal Weight Change in Obesity-Prone and Obesity-Resistant Adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2020 Feb;28(2):259-267. PubMed PMID: 31970906
• Sachs S, Zarini S, Kahn DE, Harrison KA, Perreault L, Phang T, Newsom SA, Strauss A, Kerege A, Schoen JA, Bessesen DH, Schwarzmayr T, Graf E, Lutter D, Krumsiek J, Hofmann SM, Bergman BC. Intermuscular adipose tissue directly modulates skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in humans. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2019 May 1;316(5):E866-E879. PubMed PMID: 30620635
• De Jong NP, Rynders CA, Goldstrohm DA, Pan Z, Lange AH, Mendez C, Melanson EL, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Effect of frequent interruptions of sedentary time on nutrient metabolism in sedentary overweight male and female adults. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2019 Apr 1;126(4):984-992. PubMed PMID: 30629473
• Tsai AG, Bessesen DH. Obesity. Ann Intern Med. 2019 Mar 5;170(5):ITC33-ITC48. PubMed PMID: 30831593
• Lewis KH, Fischer H, Ard J, Barton L, Bessesen DH, Daley MF, Desai J, Fitzpatrick SL, Horberg M, Koebnick C, Oshiro C, Yamamoto A, Young DR, Arterburn DE. Safety and Effectiveness of Longer-Term Phentermine Use: Clinical Outcomes from an Electronic Health Record Cohort. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019 Apr;27(4):591-602. PubMed PMID: 30900410
• Lewis KH, Fischer H, Ard J, Bessesen D, Daley M, Desai J, Fitzpatrick S, Horberg M, Koebnick C, Oshiro C, Young DR, Arterburn DE. Response to "Knowledge Gaps in Long-Term Phentermine Use". Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019 Aug;27(8):1220. PubMed PMID: 31264802
• Saxon DR, Chaussee EL, Juarez-Colunga E, Tsai AG, Iwamoto SJ, Speer RB, Heyn H, Kealey EH, Bessesen DH. A Toolbox Approach to Obesity Treatment in Urban Safety-Net Primary Care Clinics: a Pragmatic Clinical Trial. J Gen Intern Med. 2019 Nov;34(11):2405-2413. PubMed PMID: 31485965
• Catenacci VA, Ostendorf DM, Pan Z, Bing K, Wayland LT, Seyoum E, Stauffer BL, Phelan S, Creasy SA, Caldwell AE, Wyatt HR, Bessesen DH, Melanson EL. The Impact of Timing of Exercise Initiation on Weight Loss: An 18-Month Randomized Clinical Trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019 Nov;27(11):1828-1838. PubMed PMID: 31565869
• Saxon DR, Iwamoto SJ, Mettenbrink CJ, McCormick E, Arterburn D, Daley MF, Oshiro CE, Koebnick C, Horberg M, Young DR, Bessesen DH. Antiobesity Medication Use in 2.2 Million Adults Across Eight Large Health Care Organizations: 2009-2015. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2019 Dec;27(12):1975-1981. PubMed PMID: 31603630
• De Jong NP, Rynders CA, Goldstrohm DA, Pan Z, Lange AH, Mendez C, Melanson EL, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Effect of frequent interruptions of sedentary time on nutrient metabolism in sedentary overweight male and female adults. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2019 Jan 10. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30629473
• Sachs S, Zarini S, Kahn DE, Harrison KA, Perreault L, Phang T, Newsom SA, Strauss A, Kerege A, Schoen JA, Bessesen DH, Schwarzmayr T, Graf E, Lutter D, Krumsiek J, Hofmann S, Bergman BC. Intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) directly modulates skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity in humans. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2019 Jan 8. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 30620635
• De Jong NP, Debache I, Pan Z, Garnotel M, Lyden K, Sueur C, Simon C, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Breaking up Sedentary Time in Overweight/Obese Adults on Work Days and Non-Work Days: Results from a Feasibility Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Nov 16;15(11). PubMed PMID: 30453553
• Rynders CA, Pereira RI, Bergouignan A, Kealey EH, Bessesen DH. Associations Among Dietary Fat Oxidation Responses to Overfeeding and Weight Gain in Obesity-Prone and Resistant Adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018 Nov;26(11):1758-1766. PubMed PMID: 30358145
• Iwamoto S, Saxon D, Tsai A, Leister E, Speer R, Heyn H, Kealey E, Juarez-Colunga E, Gudzune K, Bleich S, Clark J, Bessesen D. Effects of Education and Experience on Primary Care Providers' Perspectives of Obesity Treatments during a Pragmatic Trial. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018 Oct;26(10):1532-1538. PubMed PMID: 30257072
• Hudgel DW, Patel SR, Ahasic AM, Bartlett SJ, Bessesen DH, Coaker MA, Fiander PM, Grunstein RR, Gurubhagavatula I, Kapur VK, Lettieri CJ, Naughton MT, Owens RL, Pepin JD, Tuomilehto H, Wilson KC. The Role of Weight Management in the Treatment of Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea. An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2018 Sep 15;198(6):e70-e87. PubMed PMID: 30215551
• MacLean PS, Rothman AJ, Nicastro HL, Czajkowski SM, Agurs-Collins T, Rice EL, Courcoulas AP, Ryan DH, Bessesen DH, Loria CM. The Accumulating Data to Optimally Predict Obesity Treatment (ADOPT) Core Measures Project: Rationale and Approach. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018 Apr;26 Suppl 2:S6-S15. PubMed PMID: 29575780
• Creasy SA, Rynders CA, Bergouignan A, Kealey EH, Bessesen DH. Free-Living Responses in Energy Balance to Short-Term Overfeeding in Adults Differing in Propensity for Obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018 Apr;26(4):696-702. PubMed PMID: 29570248
• Young DR, Fischer H, Arterburn D, Bessesen D, Cromwell L, Daley MF, Desai J, Ferrara A, Fitzpatrick SL, Horberg MA, Koebnick C, Nau CL, Oshiro C, Waitzfelder B, Yamamoto A. Associations of overweight/obesity and socioeconomic status with hypertension prevalence across racial and ethnic groups. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2018 Mar;20(3):532-540. PubMed PMID: 29432662
• Rynders CA, Schmidt SL, Bergouignan A, Horton TJ, Bessesen DH. Effects of short-term sex steroid suppression on dietary fat storage patterns in healthy males. Physiol Rep. 2018 Jan;6(2). PubMed PMID: 29380951
• Legget KT, Cornier MA, Bessesen DH, Mohl B, Thomas EA, Tregellas JR. Greater Reward-Related Neuronal Response to Hedonic Foods in Women Compared with Men. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2018 Feb;26(2):362-367. PubMed PMID: 29239138
• Bessesen DH, Van Gaal LF. Progress and challenges in anti-obesity pharmacotherapy. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018 Mar;6(3):237-248. PubMed PMID: 28919062
• Rynders CA, Blanc S, DeJong N, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Sedentary behaviour is a key determinant of metabolic inflexibility. J Physiol. 2018 Apr 15;596(8):1319-1330. PubMed PMID: 28543022
• Rynders CA, Schmidt SL, Bergouignan A, Horton TJ, Bessesen DH. Effects of short-term sex steroid suppression on dietary fat storage patterns in healthy males. Physiol Rep. 2018 Jan;6(2). doi: 10.14814/phy2.13533.
• Young DR, Fischer H, Arterburn D, Bessesen D, Cromwell L, Daley MF, Desai J, Ferrara A, Fitzpatrick SL, Horberg MA, Koebnick C, Nau CL, Oshiro C, Waitzfelder B, Yamamoto A. Associations of overweight/obesity and socioeconomic status with hypertension prevalence across racial and ethnic groups. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2018 Feb 12. doi: 10.1111/jch.13217. [Epub ahead of print]
• Bessesen DH, Van Gaal LF. Progress and challenges in anti-obesity pharmacotherapy. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2018 Mar;6(3):237-248 Review
• Park YM, Erickson C, Bessesen D, Van Pelt RE, Cox-York K. Age- and menopause-related differences in subcutaneous adipose tissue estrogen receptor mRNA expression. Steroids. 2017 May; 121:17-21. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.03.001. Epub 2017 Mar 10.
• Rynders CA, Bergouignan A, Kealey E, Bessesen DH. Ability to adjust nocturnal fat oxidation in response to overfeeding predicts 5-year weight gain in adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 May;25(5):873-880
• Rynders CA, Blanc S, DeJong N, Bessesen DH, Bergouignan A. Sedentary behaviour is a key determinant of metabolic inflexibility. J Physiol. 2017 May 24. doi: 10.1113/JP273282. [Epub ahead of print]
• Legget KT, Cornier MA, Bessesen DH, Mohl B, Thomas EA, Tregellas JR. Greater Reward-Related Neuronal Response to Hedonic Foods in Women Compared with Men. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017 Dec 13. doi: 10.1002/oby.22082. [Epub ahead of print]
• Bergouignan A, DeJong N, Rynders C, Melanson EL, Bessesen DH. Effect Of Frequent Interruptions Of Sitting On Energy Expenditure And Substrate Oxidation In Overweight Adults: 609 Board #8 June 1, 1: 00 PM - 3: 00 PM. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 May;48(5 Suppl 1):157. PubMed PMID: 27584223
• Ohman-Hanson RA, Cree-Green M, Kelsey MM, Bessesen DH, Sharp TA, Pyle L, Pereira RI, Nadeau KJ. Ethnic and Sex Differences in Adiponectin: From Childhood to Adulthood. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016 Dec;101(12):4808-4815. PubMed PMID: 27603898
• Bergouignan A, Legget KT, De Jong N, Kealey E, Nikolovski J, Groppel JL, Jordan C, O'Day R, Hill JO, Bessesen DH. Effect of frequent interruptions of prolonged sitting on self-perceived levels of energy, mood, food cravings and cognitive function. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2016 Nov 3;13(1):113. PubMed PMID: 27809874
• Cox-York KA, Erickson CB, Pereira RI, Bessesen DH, Van Pelt RE. Region-specific effects of oestradiol on adipose-derived stem cell differentiation in post-menopausal women. J Cell Mol Med. 2016 Nov 15. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 27862950
• Saxon DR, Bessesen DH. Thyroid and Adrenal Disorders, in Emergency Medicine Secrets, Markovchik VJ, Pons P, Bakes, KM, Buchanan JA, Elsevier, Philadelphia PS, 2016 p307-16
• Cornier MA, McFadden KL, Thomas EA, Bechtell JL, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR. Propensity to obesity impacts the neuronal response to energy imbalance. Front Behav Neurosci. 2015;9:52. PubMed PMID: 25767441
• Thomas EA, Higgins J, Bessesen DH, McNair B, Cornier MA. Usual breakfast eating habits affect response to breakfast skipping in overweight women. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Apr;23(4):750-9. PubMed PMID: 25755093
• Apovian CM, Aronne LJ, Bessesen DH, McDonnell ME, Murad MH, Pagotto U, Ryan DH, Still CD. Pharmacological management of obesity: an endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Feb;100(2):342-62. PubMed PMID: 25590212
• Cornier MA, Shott ME, Thomas EA, Bechtell JL, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR, Frank GK. The effects of energy balance, obesity-proneness and sex on the neuronal response to sweet taste. Behav Brain Res. 2015 Feb 1;278:446-52. PubMed PMID: 25447301
• Bessesen DH, Cox-York KA, Hernandez TL, Erickson CB, Wang H, Jackman MR, Van Pelt RE. Postprandial triglycerides and adipose tissue storage of dietary fatty acids: impact of menopause and estradiol. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Jan;23(1):145-53. PubMed PMID: 25354893
• Pereira RI, Low Wang CC, Wolfe P, Havranek EP, Long CS, Bessesen DH. Associations of Adiponectin with Adiposity, Insulin Sensitivity, and Diet in Young, Healthy, Mexican Americans and Non-Latino White Adults. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015 Dec 22;13(1). PubMed PMID: 26703682
• Tsai AG, Juarez-Colunga E, Felton S, Speer RB, Bessesen DH, Atherly AJ. Medication costs during an 18 month clinical trial of obesity treatment among patients encountered in primary care. BMC Obes. 2015;2:24. PubMed PMID: 26217539
• Hernandez TL, Bessesen DH, Cox-York KA, Erickson CB, Law CK, Anderson MK, Wang H, Jackman MR, Van Pelt RE. Femoral lipectomy increases postprandial lipemia in women. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Jul 1;309(1):E63-71. PubMed PMID: 25968576
• Bessesen D. Expert interview: New ENDO guidelines. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Apr;23 Suppl 1:S13-4. PubMed PMID: 25900869
• Cornier MA, McFadden KL, Thomas EA, Bechtell JL, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR. Propensity to obesity impacts the neuronal response to energy imbalance. Front Behav Neurosci. 2015;9:52. PubMed PMID: 25767441
• Thomas EA, Higgins J, Bessesen DH, McNair B, Cornier MA. Usual breakfast eating habits affect response to breakfast skipping in overweight women. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Apr;23(4):750-9. PubMed PMID: 25755093
• Apovian CM, Aronne LJ, Bessesen DH, McDonnell ME, Murad MH, Pagotto U, Ryan DH, Still CD. Pharmacological management of obesity: an endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2015 Feb;100(2):342-62. PubMed PMID: 25590212
• Cornier MA, Shott ME, Thomas EA, Bechtell JL, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR, Frank GK. The effects of energy balance, obesity-proneness and sex on the neuronal response to sweet taste. Behav Brain Res. 2015 Feb 1;278:446-52. PubMed PMID: 25447301
• Bessesen DH, Cox-York KA, Hernandez TL, Erickson CB, Wang H, Jackman MR, Van Pelt RE. Postprandial triglycerides and adipose tissue storage of dietary fatty acids: impact of menopause and estradiol. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Jan;23(1):145-53. PubMed PMID: 25354893
• Schmidt SL, Bessesen DH, Stotz S, Peelor FF 3rd, Miller BF, Horton TJ. Adrenergic control of lipolysis in women compared with men. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2014 Nov 1;117(9):1008-19. PubMed PMID: 25190743
• Bergouignan A, Kealey EH, Schmidt SL, Jackman MR, Bessesen DH. Twenty-four hour total and dietary fat oxidation in lean, obese and reduced-obese adults with and without a bout of exercise. PLoS One. 2014;9(4):e94181. PubMed PMID: 24714529
• Thomas EA, Bechtell JL, Vestal BE, Johnson SL, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR, Cornier MA. Eating-related behaviors and appetite during energy imbalance in obese-prone and obese-resistant individuals. Appetite. 2013 Jun;65:96-102. PubMed PMID: 23402714
• Cornier MA, McFadden KL, Thomas EA, Bechtell JL, Eichman LS, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR. Differences in the neuronal response to food in obesity-resistant as compared to obesity-prone individuals. Physiol Behav. 2013 Feb 17;110-111:122-8. PubMed PMID: 23313402
• Schmidt SL, Kealey EH, Horton TJ, VonKaenel S, Bessesen DH. The effects of short-term overfeeding on energy expenditure and nutrient oxidation in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant individuals. Int J Obes (Lond). 2013 Sep;37(9):1192-7. PubMed PMID: 23229737
• Cox-York KA, Sharp TA, Stotz SA, Bessesen DH, Pagliassotti MJ, Horton TJ. The effects of sex, metabolic syndrome and exercise on postprandial lipemia. Metabolism. 2013 Feb;62(2):244-54. PubMed PMID: 22974968
• Cox-York KA, Sharp TA, Stotz SA, Bessesen DH, Pagliassotti MJ, Horton TJ; The effects of sex, metabolic syndrome and exercise on postprandial lipemia, Metabolism. 2013 Feb;62(2):244-54
• Cornier MA, McFadden KL, Thomas EA, Bechtell JL, Eichman LS, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR. Differences in the neuronal response to food in obesity-resistant as compared to obesity-prone individuals. Physiol Behav. 2013 Jan 10;110-111C:122-128. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.01.002. [Epub ahead of print]
• Schmidt SL, Harmon KA, Sharp TA, Kealey EH, Bessesen DH. The Effects of Overfeeding on Spontaneous Physical Activity in Obesity Prone and Obesity Resistant Humans Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 Nov;20(11):2186-93
• Tsai AG, Raube E, Conrad J, Bessesen DH, Rozwadowski JM. A pilot randomized trial comparing a comparing a commercial weight loss program with a clinic-based intervention for weight loss. Journal of Primary Care and Community Health 2012 Oct; 3(4): 251-255
• Schmidt SL, Kealey EH, Horton TJ, Vonkaenel S, Bessesen DH. The effects of short-term overfeeding on energy expenditure and nutrient oxidation in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant individuals. Int J Obes (Lond). 2012 Dec 11. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2012.202. [Epub ahead of print]
• Christian JG, Goldstein M, Bock B, Beyers T, Prioreschi B, Bessesen DH. A Computer Support Program Helps Clinicians Tailor Weight Loss Counseling To Patients Diagnosed With Metabolic Syndrome. J Am Diet Assn, 2011 Jan;111(1):75-83
• Bessesen DH. Regulation of Body Weight: What is the Regulated Parameter? Physiology and Behavior, 2011 Sep 26;104(4):599-607
• Pereira RI, Wang CL, Hosokawa P, Dickinson LM, Chonchol M, Krantz MJ, Steiner JF, Bessesen DH, Havranek EP, Long CS. Circulating Adiponectin Levels are Lower in Latino versus non-Latino White Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease, Independent of Adiposity Measures. In press BMC Endoc Dis 2011 Jul 7;11(1):13
• Harmon KA, Gerard L, Jensen D, Reese M, Kealey E, Barbour L, Bessesen DH. Continuous Glucose Profiles in Obese and Normal-Weight Pregnant Women on Controlled Diet: Metabolic Determinants of Fetal Growth. Diabetes Care 2011 Oct;34(10):2198-204
• Kosmiski LA, Sage-El A, Kealey EH, Bessesen DH. Brown Fat Activity is not Apparent in Subjects with HIV Lipodystrophy and Increased Resting Energy Expenditure. Obesity 2011 Oct;19(10):2096-8
• Christian JG, Tsai AG, Bessesen DH; Interpreting weight losses from lifestyle modification trials: using categorical data. Int J Obes 2010 Jan;34(1):207-9. PMID: 19823184
• Cornier MA, Salzberg AK, Endly DC, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR. The Effects of Gender on the Behavioral and Neuronal Responses to Food. Physiol Behav.2010 Mar 30;99(4):538-543. Jan 22.PMID: 20096712
• Cornier MA, Salzberg AK, Endly DC, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR. Sex Based Differences in the Behavioral and Neuronal Responses to Food. Physiol Behav. 2010 Mar 30;99 (4):538-543. Jan 22. PMID: 20096712
• Capell WH, Schlaepfer IR, Wolfe P, Watson PA, Bessesen DH, Pagliassotti MJ, Eckel RH. Fatty acids increase glucose uptake and metabolism in C2C12 myoblasts stably transfected with human lipoprotein lipase. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2010 Oct;299(4):E576-83. PMID: 20628023
• Jackman MR, Maclean PS, Bessesen DH; Energy Expenditure in Obesity Prone and Obesity Resistant Rats Before and After the Introduction of a High Fat Diet. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2010 Oct;299(4):R1097-105
• Endly D, Salzberg A, Kealey E, Cornier MA, Bessesen DH; Restraint, Disinhibition, Power of Food and Longitudinal Weight Change in Obesity Prone and Obesity Resistant Individuals. Obesity 17(S2):S129 2009
• Cornier MA, Salzberg A, Endly D, Bessesen D; Tregellas J; The Effects of Gender on Neuronal Response to Visual Food Cues. Obesity 17(S2):S174 2009
• Cornier MA, Salzberg AK, Endly DC, Bessesen DH, Rojas DC, Tregellas JR; The Effects of Overfeeding on the Neuronal Response to Visual Food Cues in Thin and Reduced-Obese Individuals. PLoS ONE 2009 Jul 28;4(7):e6310. PMID: 19636426
• Kosmiski LA, Ringham BM, Grunwald GK, Bessesen DH; Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry modeling to explain the increased resting energy expenditure associated with the HIV lipoatrophy syndrome Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 Dec;90(6):1525-31 PMID: 19828707
• Bessesen DH, Bull S, Cornier MA; Trafficking of Dietary Fat and Resistance to Obesity. Physiology and Behavior
• Nelson TL, Bessesen DH, Marshall JA; Relationship of Abdominal Obesity Measured by DXA and Waist Circumference with Insulin Sensitivity in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White Individuals: The San Luis Valley Diabetes Study. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2008 Jan;24(1):33-40
• Christian JG, Bessesen DH, Byers TE, Christian KK, Goldstein MG, Bock BC; Clinic-Based Support to Help Overweight Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Increase Physical Activity and Lose Weight. Arch Intern Med. 2008 Jan: 168(2):141-146
• Jackman MR, Steig AJ, Higgins JA, Johnson GC, Fleming-Elder BK, Bessesen DH, Maclean PS; Weight Regain After Sustained Weight Reduction is Accompanied by Suppressed Oxidation of Dietary Fat and Adipocyte Hyperplasia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2008 Feb 20; [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 18287221
• Bergman BC, Cornier MA, Horton TJ, Bessesen DH, Eckel RH; Skeletal Muscle Munc18c and Syntaxin 4 in Human Obesity. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2008 Jul 24;5(1):21. PMID: 18652694
• Jackman MR, Steig AJ, Higgins JA, Johnson GC, Fleming-Elder BK, Bessesen DH, Maclean PS; Weight Regain After Sustained Weight Reduction is Accompanied by Suppressed Oxidation of Dietary Fat and Adipocyte Hyperplasia. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2008 Apr;294(4):R1117-29 PMID: 18287221
• Gilmour Flint KM, Van Walleghen EL, Kealey EH, Vonkaenel S, Bessesen DH Davy BM.; Differences in eating behaviors between nonobese, weight stable young and older adults. Eat Behav. 2008 Aug;9(3):370-5. PMID: 18549998
• Bessesen DH, Bull S, Cornier MA; Trafficking of Dietary Fat and Resistance to Obesity. Physiology and Behavior, 2008 94(5):681-688. PMID: 18514237
• Bessesen DH. Update on Obesity. J Clin Endo and Metab, 2008 Jun;93(6):2027-34. PMID: 18539769
• Harmon K, Keaket E, Ingebrigtsen JP, Bessesen D; The Effects of Overfeeding on Measured Physical Activity in OP and OR Humans. Obesity 16 (S1): S76, 2008
• Cornier MA, Salzberg A, Bessesen D, Tregellas J; Neuronal Responses to Visual Food Cures and Measrues of Appetite in Obese Resistant and Obese Prone Individuals. Obesity 16 (S1): S88, 2008
• Salzberg A, Bessesen D, Cornier MA; The Effects of Short Term Overfeeding on Appetite and Subsequent Energy Intake. Obesity 16 (S1): S53, 2008
• Melanson E, Bessesen D, Cornier MA, MacLean PS, Grunwald G, Hill J; 24-h Substrate Oxidation Following Diet Induced Weight Loss. Obesity 16 (S1): S53, 2008
• Kosmiski LA, Bessesen DH, Stotz SA, Koeppe JR, Horton TJ. Short-term energy restriction reduces resting energy expenditure in patients with HIV lipodystrophy and hypermetabolism. Metabolism. 2007 Feb;56(2):289-95
• Kushner R; Bessesen DH; Treatment of the Obese Patient, Humana Press, Newark NJ, 2007 (in press)
• Kosmiski LA, Bessesen DH, Stotz SA, Koeppe JR, Horton TJ. Short-term energy restriction reduces resting energy expenditure in patients with HIV lipodystrophy and hypermetabolism. Metabolism. 2007 Feb;56(2):289-95
• Bergman BC, Cornier MA, Horton TJ, Bessesen D; Effects of Fasting on Insulin Action and Glucose Kinetics in Lean and Obese Men and Women. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Oct; 293(4): E1103-11
• Kosmiski LA, Bessesen DH, Stotz SA, Koeppe JR, Horton TJ; Short-Term Overfeeding Increases Resting Energy Expenditure in Patients with HIV Lipodystrophy. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct; 86(4):1009-15
• Cornier MA, Von Kaenel SS, Bessesen DH, Tregellas JR; Effects of Overfeeding on the Neuronal Response to Visual Food Cues. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Oct;86(4):965-71
• Bessesen DH. Obesity. Yearbook of Endocrinology pp 133-163, 2007 Elsevier/Mosby, Philadelphia PA
• Bessesen DH. Appetite and Body Weight: Integrative Systems ant the Development of Anti-Obesity Drugs, Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Nov 86:1554
• Kushner R; Bessesen DH; Treatment of the Obese Patient, Humana Press, Newark NJ, 2007 (favorably reviewed in the NEJM 357:2526 2007)
• Bessesen DH. Exercise and Obesity. Yearbook of Medicine pp 485-490, 2006 Elsevier/Mosby, Philadelphia PA
• Bessesen DH. Obesity. Yearbook of Endocrinology pp 133-177, 2006 Elsevier/Mosby, Philadelphia PA
• Cornier MA, Bessesen DH, Gurevich I, Leitner JW, Draznin B. Nutritional Upregulation of p85? Expression is an Early Molecular Manifestation of Insulin Resistance. Diabetologia 49:748-754, 2006
• Jackman MR, Kramer RE, MacLean PS, Bessesen DH; Trafficking of Dietary Fat in Obesity Prone and Obesity Resistant Rats Am. J Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 2006 Nov;291(5):E1083-91.
• Cornier MA, Bergman BC, Bessesen DH; The Effects of Short-Term Overfeeding on Insulin Action in Thin and Reduced Obese Individuals. Metabolism 2006 Sep; 55(9):1207-14

Practice Locations

Denver Health
777 Bannock St
Denver, CO 80204
303-436-6000

Hospital Affiliation

• Denver Health Medical Center
• University of Colorado Hospital

Center Affiliations

• Anschutz Health & Wellness Center

Specialty Information

Specialties

• Internal Medicine, Board Certification (1985)
• Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Board Certification (1989)

Conditions & Treatments

• Endocrine System (Hormones) - Adult Type 1 Diabetes
• Endocrine System (Hormones) - Adult Type 2 Diabetes
• Endocrine System (Hormones) - Thyroid Cancer
• Endocrine System (Hormones) - Thyroid Disease
• Endocrine System (Hormones) - Adrenal Diseases
• Endocrine System (Hormones) - Lipidosis
• Food, Nutrition and Metabolism - Nutrition
• Food, Nutrition and Metabolism - Obesity
• Food, Nutrition and Metabolism - Weight Loss and Dieting
• Food, Nutrition and Metabolism - Weight Loss Surgery
• Wellness and Prevention - Exercise and Physical Fitness
• Surgery - Weight Loss Surgery
• Endocrine System (Hormones)
• Food, Nutrition and Metabolism
• Wellness and Prevention
• Surgery