About

Dr. Niyati Parekh is a Professor of Public Health Nutrition and Associate Vice Provost for Faculty Initiatives and Global Engagement at NYU's School of Global Public Health. Her research and teaching are driven by a commitment to reduce nutrition-related disease outcomes in at-risk groups. As a nutritional epidemiologist, she has developed a comprehensive research portfolio that examines the intersection of biological and behavioral factors of non-communicable diseases in US populations. Her overarching research theme focuses on the role of nutrition and diet-related factors in the etiology of non-communicable diseases, with particular emphasis on obesity, metabolic dysregulation, and cancer. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates disease biology, nutritional biochemistry, epidemiology, and biostatistics to investigate diet and non-communicable diseases using epidemiologic methods. She has contributed to identifying dietary patterns, dietary determinants, and biomarkers that predict disease outcomes, as well as developing novel dietary assessment methods to enhance measurement accuracy. Dr. Parekh has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, supported by awards from the American Cancer Society and NIH, and holds an MS in Clinical Nutrition from Mumbai University and a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has served as Director of the Public Health Nutrition program at NYU and as an affiliated faculty member at the Department of Population Health-Grossman School of Medicine. Her recent honors include induction as a New York Academy of Medicine Fellow and appointment as an Independent Consultant at UNICEF. She teaches graduate courses in global nutrition, nutritional epidemiology, and public health, and has served as the Executive Director of Doctoral Programs at GPH, supporting the professional development of approximately 30 PhD students.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Environmental health
• Sociology
• Political Science
• Demography
• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Internal medicine
• Biotechnology
• Food science
• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Virology
• Developmental psychology
• Biology
• Economics
• Social psychology
• Business
• Agricultural economics

Selected publications

• The role of ultra-processed food in obesity

  Nature Reviews Endocrinology · 2025-07-14 · 23 citations

  review
  PublisherDOI

• Abstract 80: Impact of Food Insecurity on Smoking Cessation–Related Factors of Tobacco Dependence and Readiness to Quit Among HIV+ Smokers in Vietnam: An Exploratory Analysis

  Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention · 2025-12-01

  article

  Abstract Purpose: Quitting smoking is critical for improving the survival of people living with HIV (PWH) including reducing cancer risk, yet HIV+ smokers face many challenges to cessation. Food insecurity may exacerbate tobacco dependence and readiness to quit, thereby complicating cessation efforts among PWH. However, the overlap between food insecurity and tobacco use, including cessation, among PWH is understudied. This study examines the relationship between food security and cessation outcomes, and key variables critical to cessation—tobacco dependence and readiness to quit—among PWH who smoke. Methods: We surveyed HIV+ smokers enrolled in tobacco use treatment at 5 HIV clinics in Hanoi, Vietnam between November 2021 and June 2022. We assessed food security status using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Smoking cessation was evaluated using self-reported 7-day abstinence at 6-months post-intervention, which was confirmed biochemically by expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) measurements (<10 ppm) from all participants who self-reported quitting. We used a longitudinal survey design to test associations between baseline food security status, tobacco dependence and readiness to quit, and baseline food insecurity and 6-month cessation status. Results: Of 182 PWH who smoke, 25 (13.7%) experienced food insecurity. Food insecure participants were more likely to have high dependence (76% vs. 41%; RR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.40–2.49) and less likely to be ready to quit (28% vs. 62%; RR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24–0.86). Participants with food insecurity were less likely to achieve abstinence from smoking at 6 months (4% vs. 17%; RR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.03–1.70), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.133 by Fisher’s Exact test). Conclusion: This study highlights the potential impact of food insecurity on two key factors important for smoking cessation: tobacco dependence and readiness to quit. Although the small sample size of the group reporting food insecurity limits statistical power, particularly for the cessation outcome, the data are compatible with strong negative effects of food insecurity on cessation success. Understanding how food insecurity interacts with these factors can help identify barriers to cessation and guide adaptations to tobacco use treatment for food-insecure PWH, addressing this common three-way burden in low- and middle-income countries. Citation Format: Gloria Guevara, Reet Kapur, Trang Nugyen, Nam Nugyen, Yesim Tozan, Lloyd Goldsamt, Charles Cleland, Mari Armstrong-Hough, Niyati Parekh, Donna Shelley. Impact of Food Insecurity on Smoking Cessation–Related Factors of Tobacco Dependence and Readiness to Quit Among HIV+ Smokers in Vietnam: An Exploratory Analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; 2025 Sep 16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 80.

  PublisherDOI

• Experience of Using Wearable Devices for Dietary Management for Chinese Americans with Type 2 Diabetes (Preprint)

  2025-03-03

  preprintOpen access

  <sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Chinese Americans face significant challenges in dietary management, which is crucial for glycemic control. Wearable sensors, such as the eButton and continuous glucose monitor (CGM), is a promising solution. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> We aimed to explore the experience of using the eButton and CGM for dietary management among Chinese Americans. </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS</title> Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (N=11) participated in a one-group prospective study. They wore an eButton on their chest to record their 10-day meals over two weeks and a CGM for the two weeks, and kept a diary to track food intake, medication, and physical activity. Individual interviews were conducted after two weeks to discuss their experience. We used ATLAS.ti software to thematically analyze the interviews. </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Facilitators of using eButton included the device’s ease of use, ability to make participants more mindful, and influence on increased sense of control. Being more conscious of food intake enabled participants to eat smaller portions. Barriers included privacy concerns, difficulty positioning the camera for pictures, and the need for a record of pictures to track trends in glucose spikes. Facilitators of using CGM included its comfort and ease of use, its ability to increase mindfulness of meal choices, and motivating changes in eating behaviors. The most common barriers included the sensor falling off, getting trapped in clothes, and causing skin sensitivity. </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> Our findings suggest that it is feasible for Chinese Americans with T2D to use eButton and CGM for dietary management. Future studies should apply these devices to a larger sample over a longer duration to better inform effective diabetes management strategies. </sec> <sec> <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> NCT05335889 </sec>

  PublisherDOI

• Experience of Using Wearable Devices for Dietary Management for Chinese Americans With Type 2 Diabetes: One-Group Prospective Cohort Study

  JMIR Diabetes · 2025-09-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Background: Chinese Americans with type 2 diabetes (T2D) face significant challenges in dietary management, which is crucial for glycemic control. Wearable sensors, such as the electronic button (eButton) and continuous glucose monitor (CGM), offer a promising solution. Objective: We aimed to explore the experience of using the eButton and CGM for dietary management among Chinese Americans with T2D. Methods: Chinese Americans with T2D (N=11) participated in a one-group prospective cohort study, recruited via convenience sampling from the electronic medical records of NYU Langone Health. Participants wore an eButton on their chest to record their 10-day meals and a CGM for the 2 weeks and kept a diary to track food intake, medication, and physical activity. Individual interviews were conducted after 2 weeks to discuss their experience, barriers, and facilitators of use. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti (Scientific Software Development GmbH) software. Results: Facilitators of using an eButton included the device's ease of use, ability to make participants more mindful, and influence on increased sense of control. Greater awareness of food intake enabled participants to eat smaller portions. Reported barriers included privacy concerns, difficulty positioning the camera for pictures, and the lack of a meal photo record to track glucose trends. For the CGM, facilitators included its comfort and ease of use, its ability to increase mindfulness of meal choices, and its motivating changes in eating behaviors. The most common barriers included the sensor falling off, getting trapped in clothes, and causing skin sensitivity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that it is feasible for Chinese Americans with T2D to use eButton and CGM for dietary management. When paired, these tools offer a promising method to help patients visualize the relationship between food intake and glycemic response. For clinical implementation, structured support from health care providers-such as dietitians or diabetes educators-is essential to help patients interpret the data meaningfully. Clinicians should also consider cultural factors, privacy concerns, and individual preferences when introducing wearable technologies, ensuring a personalized and patient-centered approach to diabetes care. Future studies should apply these devices to a larger sample over a longer duration to better inform effective diabetes management strategies.

  PublisherDOI

• Cardiovascular Health in the Transition From Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

  Journal of the American Heart Association · 2025-03-26 · 27 citations

  reviewOpen access

  Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with an alarming rise in the proportion of young adults experiencing cardiovascular events. Many adolescents enter adulthood with significant cardiovascular disease risk factors. This scientific statement addresses the critical need for cardiovascular health promotion during emerging adulthood, a transitional stage between the ages of 18 and 25 or 29 years of age. We discuss the significance of social determinants of health and the interplay between individual-level risk factors and developmental changes, including shifts in substance use, social connections, and emotional well-being. We conclude by outlining strategies for optimizing cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention, underscoring the importance of primordial prevention, early intervention, and tailored approaches to address the unique needs of emerging adults. Addressing these multifaceted factors is crucial for mitigating the burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors among emerging adults and promoting long-term cardiovascular well-being.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Association between behavioural risk factors for hypertension and concordance with the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension dietary pattern among South Asians in the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study

  Journal of Nutritional Science · 2025-01-01 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  South Asians are among the fastest-growing immigrant population group in the United States (U.S.) with a unique disease risk profile. Due in part to immigration and acculturation factors, South Asians engage differently with behavioural risk factors (e.g. smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and diet) for hypertension, which may be modified for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Using data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America cohort, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis to evaluate the association between behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diet. We created a behavioural risk factor score based on smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and TV watching. We also calculated a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary score based on inclusion of relevant dietary components. We used both scores to examine the association between engaging with risk factors for hypertension and the DASH diet among a cohort of South Asian adults. We found that participants with 3-4 behavioural risk factors had a DASH diet score that was 3 units lower than those with no behavioural risk factors (aβ: -3.25; 95% CI: -4.28, -2.21) and were 86% less likely to have a DASH diet score in the highest category compared to the lowest DASH diet score category (aOR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.37) in the fully adjusted models. These findings highlight the relationship between behavioural risk factors for hypertension among South Asians in the U.S.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• (282) Does Pre-operative Imaging Significantly Delay Operative Treatment for Penile Fractures?

  The Journal of Sexual Medicine · 2025-11-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Introduction A penile fracture is a rupture of the tunica albuginea caused by forceful bending from direct trauma. While generally considered an emergency, ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Objective To determine if obtaining imaging for patients with suspected penile fracture results in a significant delay in operative treatment. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review analyzing patients from 2011-2022 who presented to the emergency room (ER) with concern for a penile fracture. Time of initial presentation to the ER, time to imaging orders, time to imaging performed, and operative start time were all documented. Erectile function was documented in those who were evaluated post-operatively. Patients with limited information from their hospital encounter or who presented to a different facility were excluded from the analysis. Results Eighty-one patients were included in the final analysis, with an average age of 48 years. Fifty-nine (72.8%) cases occurred during intercourse, 14 (17.3%) due to masturbation, blunt trauma, or gunshot wounds, and the remaining 8 (9.9%) from undisclosed injuries. In this group, 6 (7.4%) patients underwent US and 8 (9.9%) underwent MRI for further evaluation. Of these groups, only 4 patients who had an MRI underwent surgery. Sixty-two patients ultimately underwent surgical exploration and repair of the tunica albuginea. The average time from ER arrival to operative start was 7 hours and 34 minutes. Those who underwent MRI waited significantly more time than those who did not: 17 hours and 10 minutes compared to 6 hours and 53 minutes (p = 0.005). Using follow-up data, no difference was observed in post-operative erectile function between patients who underwent MRI prior to surgery and those who did not. Conclusions While MRI is a useful tool in the workup of penile fractures, patients spend significantly longer in the hospital awaiting definitive surgical repair. Post-operative outcomes for erectile function did not differ significantly between groups. More data regarding the utilization of imaging may improve efficiency in the time between arrival and discharge. Disclosure No

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• (110) Socioeconomic Factors Impacting Density of Certified Sex Therapists in the United States

  The Journal of Sexual Medicine · 2024-02-01

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Introduction An exploratory study mapping sex therapists based on the top ten Google results in each state concluded that most sex therapists were located in larger metropolitan areas, and importantly, they found that only 18.2% of clinicians offering sex therapy services were certified by a national organization such as AASECT. Objective To map where certified sex therapists practice and what variables influence where they practice in the United States. Methods The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists online directory was queried for certified sex therapists in each state. Univariable and multiple linear regression analyses were utilized to assess the relationship between the density of certified sex therapists in each state with various training and socioeconomic factors. Results Across all 50 states and the District of Columbia the median density of sex therapists per 500,000 people was 1.28 (IQR 0.82, 1.83). On univariable linear regression, median household income (p &amp;lt; .01, R2 = .20), percent of state population with a bachelor’s degree or higher (p &amp;lt; .01, R2 = .57), and percent of state population living in an urban setting (p &amp;lt; .01, R2 = .18) were significantly correlated with the density of certified sex therapists in each state. On multiple linear regression, percent of state population with a bachelor’s degree or higher (p &amp;lt; .01) and percent of population not in poverty (p &amp;lt; .01) remained significantly correlated with the density of certified sex therapists in each state. Conclusions Certified sex therapists are more likely to practice in urban settings with populations that have a higher median income and are more educated. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Boston Scientific, Coloplast.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• A Multi-Stage Dyadic Qualitative Analysis to Disentangle How Dietary Behaviors of Asian American Young Adults are Influenced by Family

  Behavioral Medicine · 2024-01-09 · 7 citations

  article

  The dietary behaviors of Asian American (AA) young adults, who face a growing non-communicable disease burden, are impacted by complex socio-ecological forces. Family plays a crucial role in the lifestyle behaviors of AA young adults; however, little is known on the methods, contributors, and impact of familial dietary influence. This study aims to deconstruct the mechanisms of AA young adult familial dietary influence through a multi-perspective qualitative assessment. A five-phase method of dyadic analysis adapted from past research was employed to extract nuanced insights from dyadic interviews with AA young adults and family members, and ground findings in behavioral theory (the Social Cognitive Theory, SCT). 37 interviews were conducted: 18 young adults, comprising 10 different AA ethnic subgroups, and 19 family members (10 parents, 9 siblings). Participants described dietary influences that were both active (facilitating, shaping, and restricting) and passive (e.g., sharing foods or environment, mirroring food behaviors). Influences connected strongly with multiple SCT constructs (e.g., behavioral capacity, reinforcements for active influences, and expectations, observational learning for passive influences). Familial influence contributed to changes in the total amount, variety, and healthfulness of foods consumed. Intra-family dynamics were crucial; family members often leveraged each other's persuasiveness or food skills to collaboratively influence diet. AA family-based interventions should consider incorporating both passive and active forms of dietary influence within a family unit, involve multiple family members, and allow for individualization to the unique dynamics and dietary behaviors within each family unit.

  PublisherDOI

• 638-P: Feasibility of Using eButton for Dietary Management in Chinese Americans with Type 2 Diabetes

  Diabetes · 2024-06-14

  article

  Background &amp; Objective: Chinese Americans are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) than other racial/ethnic groups despite having a lower body mass index. This population has challenges in dietary management that is key for glycemic control. Leveraging wearable sensors (e.g., eButton) is promising to overcome such challenges. We aimed to assess the feasibility of the eButton for dietary management among Chinese Americans, as its effectiveness in this group remains unknown. Methods: Chinese Americans with T2D (N=11) participated in a one-group prospective study. They wore an eButton on their chest to record their 10-day meals over two weeks. This wearable device contains a digital camera that collects dietary intake data by automatically taking pictures every three seconds. The eButton pictures were used to determine food names, volumes, and nutrient value. Individual interviews were conducted after 2 weeks to discuss their experience. We used ATLAS.ti software to thematically analyze the interviews. Results: Facilitators included the device’s ease of use, ability to make participants more mindful, and influence on increased sense of control. Being more conscious of food intake enabled participants to eat smaller portions. Barriers include subjects’ privacy concerns, having difficulty staging the camera for pictures, and needing a record of pictures to understand the trends in glucose spikes. Suggestions for future eButton designs were adding language translations, sending reminders to turn the camera off, and automatically detecting and saving pictures of meals. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that it is feasible for Chinese Americans with T2D to use the eButton for dietary management. The practice of taking meal pictures improved their awareness of food portion sizes. Future studies are needed with adding certain features (e.g., saving pictures), larger sample sizes, and a longer duration of wearing to inform effective dietary management for Chinese Americans with T2D. Disclosure M.D. Greenlee: None. J. Wylie-Rosett: None. K. Chen: None. M. Sun: None. B. Wu: None. S. Zweig: None. W. Jia: None. G.D. Melkus: None. N. Parekh: None. Y. Zheng: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (Grant No: R56 DK113819 and R01 DK127310); NIH/NCATS (UL1TR001445); CTSI Collaborative Translational Pilot Project Award

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Yong Lin

  51 shared

• Elisa V. Bandera

  43 shared

• Andrea Deierlein

  New York University

  41 shared

• Maya Vadiveloo

  University of Rhode Island

  39 shared

• Grace L. Lu‐Yao

  Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

  37 shared

• Nour Makarem

  Columbia University Irving Medical Center

  34 shared

• Filippa Juul

  New York University

  27 shared

• Sameera A. Talegawkar

  George Washington University

  26 shared

Awards & honors

• New York Academy of Medicine Fellow