Lauren Thomas Berube

Clinical Assistant Professor of Public Health Nutrition

Professional overview

Lauren Berube, PhD, MS, RDN, is a nutrition and behavioral scientist. With clinical training as a dietitian, she has expertise in medical nutrition therapy and dietary assessment. Her research identifies predictors and outcomes of prenatal, postpartum, and childhood health behaviors, with a focus on understanding how dietary patterns contribute to cardiometabolic health outcomes. She uses technology and personalized approaches to engage clinical populations in self-management and lifestyle behavior change. She has worked on several clinical trials and implementation studies related to maternal and child health, including a primary healthcare-based child obesity prevention intervention beginning in pregnancy, a mobile health intervention for management of gestational diabetes in Nepal, and an observational study that used continuous glucose monitoring to measure the glycemic profiles of individuals with gestational diabetes. During her postdoctoral training, she was engaged in clinical trials that utilized behavioral methods and technology to deliver personalized nutrition interventions for adults with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.  

Prior to joining GPH, she worked as an Associate Research Scientist at the Institute for Excellence in Health Equity at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, where she managed a maternal health community implementation project delivered digitally by community health workers using culturally responsive text messaging and video links.

Dr. Berube received her PhD from New York University and completed postdoctoral training at New York University Grossman School of Medicine.

Education

BS, Biology, Roanoke College

MS, Food Science and Technology, Cornell University

PhD, Nutrition and Dietetics, New York University

Postdoctoral Fellow, Population Health Science Scholars Program, New York University

Honors and awards

Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award, National Institute of Health (2021202220232024)

Outstanding Dissertation Award Nominee, New York University (2019)

Research and Travel Grant, New York University (2018)

Steinhardt Graduate Scholarship, New York University (201320142015)

Gary Wesley Leonard Memorial Award in Biology, Roanoke College (2010)

Publications

Publications

Development and Testing of a Mobile App for Management of Gestational Diabetes in Nepal: Protocol for a User-Centered Design Study and Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

Diabetes Telemedicine Mediterranean Diet (DiaTeleMed) Study: study protocol for a fully remote randomized clinical trial evaluating personalized dietary management in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Prenatal Dietary Patterns and Associations With Weight-Related Pregnancy Outcomes in Hispanic Women With Low Incomes

Berube, L. T., Deierlein, A. L., Woolf, K., Messito, M. J., & Gross, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Childhood Obesity

Volume

20

Issue

3

Page(s)

198-207

10.1089/chi.2022.0227

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Dietary patterns during pregnancy may contribute to gestational weight gain (GWG) and birthweight, but there is limited research studying these associations in racial and ethnic minority groups. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between prenatal dietary patterns and measures of GWG and birthweight in a cohort of culturally diverse Hispanic women with low incomes. Methods: Data were analyzed from 500 mother-infant dyads enrolled in the Starting Early Program, a childhood obesity prevention trial. Diet over the previous year was assessed in the third trimester of pregnancy using an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were constructed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and principal components analysis (PCA) and analyzed as tertiles. GWG and birthweight outcomes were abstracted from medical records. Associations between dietary pattern tertiles and outcomes were assessed by multivariable linear and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results: Dietary patterns were not associated with measures of GWG or adequacy for gestational age. Greater adherence to the HEI-2015 and a PCA-derived dietary pattern characterized by nutrient-dense foods were associated with higher birthweight z-scores [β: 0.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04 to 0.4 and β: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.5, respectively], but in sex-specific analyses, these associations were only evident in male infants (β: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.7 and β: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.6, respectively). Conclusions: Among a cohort of culturally diverse Hispanic women, adherence to healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy was modestly positively associated with increased birthweight, with sex-specific associations evident only in male infants.

A randomized clinical trial comparing low-fat with precision nutrition–based diets for weight loss: impact on glycemic variability and HbA1c

Effect of a Personalized Diet to Reduce Postprandial Glycemic Response vs a Low-fat Diet on Weight Loss in Adults with Abnormal Glucose Metabolism and Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Popp, C. J., Hu, L., Kharmats, A. Y., Curran, M., Berube, L., Wang, C., Pompeii, M. L., Illiano, P., St-Jules, D. E., Mottern, M., Li, H., Williams, N., Schoenthaler, A., Segal, E., Godneva, A., Thomas, D., Bergman, M., Schmidt, A. M., & Sevick, M. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2022

Journal title

JAMA network open

Volume

5

Issue

9

Page(s)

E2233760

10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.33760

Abstract

Abstract

Importance: Interindividual variability in postprandial glycemic response (PPGR) to the same foods may explain why low glycemic index or load and low-carbohydrate diet interventions have mixed weight loss outcomes. A precision nutrition approach that estimates personalized PPGR to specific foods may be more efficacious for weight loss. Objective: To compare a standardized low-fat vs a personalized diet regarding percentage of weight loss in adults with abnormal glucose metabolism and obesity. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Personal Diet Study was a single-center, population-based, 6-month randomized clinical trial with measurements at baseline (0 months) and 3 and 6 months conducted from February 12, 2018, to October 28, 2021. A total of 269 adults aged 18 to 80 years with a body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) ranging from 27 to 50 and a hemoglobin A1clevel ranging from 5.7% to 8.0% were recruited. Individuals were excluded if receiving medications other than metformin or with evidence of kidney disease, assessed as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation, to avoid recruiting patients with advanced type 2 diabetes. Interventions: Participants were randomized to either a low-fat diet (<25% of energy intake; standardized group) or a personalized diet that estimates PPGR to foods using a machine learning algorithm (personalized group). Participants in both groups received a total of 14 behavioral counseling sessions and self-monitored dietary intake. In addition, the participants in the personalized group received color-coded meal scores on estimated PPGR delivered via a mobile app. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the percentage of weight loss from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition (fat mass, fat-free mass, and percentage of body weight), resting energy expenditure, and adaptive thermogenesis. Data were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months. Analysis was based on intention to treat using linear mixed modeling. Results: Of a total of 204 adults randomized, 199 (102 in the personalized group vs 97 in the standardized group) contributed data (mean [SD] age, 58 [11] years; 133 women [66.8%]; mean [SD] body mass index, 33.9 [4.8]). Weight change at 6 months was -4.31% (95% CI, -5.37% to -3.24%) for the standardized group and -3.26% (95% CI, -4.25% to -2.26%) for the personalized group, which was not significantly different (difference between groups, 1.05% [95% CI, -0.40% to 2.50%]; P =.16). There were no between-group differences in body composition and adaptive thermogenesis; however, the change in resting energy expenditure was significantly greater in the standardized group from 0 to 6 months (difference between groups, 92.3 [95% CI, 0.9-183.8] kcal/d; P =.05). Conclusions and Relevance: A personalized diet targeting a reduction in PPGR did not result in greater weight loss compared with a low-fat diet at 6 months. Future studies should assess methods of increasing dietary self-monitoring adherence and intervention exposure. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03336411.

Associations between chronic cigarette smoking and taste function: Results from the 2013–2014 national health and nutrition examination survey

Self-reported olfactory dysfunction and diet quality: Findings from the 2011–2014 national health and nutrition examination survey (nhanes)

Predictors of gestational weight gain in a low-income hispanic population: Sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and psychosocial stressors

Dolin, C. D., Gross, R. S., Deierlein, A. L., Berube, L. T., Katzow, M., Yaghoubian, Y., Brubaker, S. G., & Messito, M. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2020

Journal title

International journal of environmental research and public health

Volume

17

Issue

1

10.3390/ijerph17010352

Abstract

Abstract

Hispanic women have a higher prevalence of weight associated complications in pregnancy. This ethnic disparity is likely related to behavior patterns, social circumstances, environmental exposures, and access to healthcare, rather than biologic differences. The objective was to determine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and psychosocial stressors and gestational weight gain (GWG) in low-income Hispanic women. During pregnancy, information on sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and psychosocial stressors were collected. Linear regression estimated mean differences in GWG by selected predictors. Multinomial logistic regression estimated odds of inadequate and excessive GWG by selected predictors. Five-hundred and eight women were included, 38% had inadequate and 28% had excessive GWG; 57% with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI had inadequate GWG. Compared to women with normal BMI, women with overweight or obesity were more likely to have excessive GWG (aRRR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.40 and aRRR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.62, respectively). Mean total GWG was higher among women who were nulliparous (ß = 1.34 kg, 95% CI: 0.38, 2.29) and those who engaged in ≥3 h of screen time daily (ß = 0.98 kg, 95% CI: 0.02, 1.94), and lower among women who were physically active during pregnancy (ß = −1.00 kg, 95% CI: −1.99, −0.03). Eating breakfast daily was associated with lower risk of inadequate GWG (aRRR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.83). Depressive symptoms and poor adherence to dietary recommendations were prevalent, but none of the psychosocial or dietary variables were associated with GWG. In this cohort of primarily immigrant, low-income, Hispanic women, there were high rates of poor adherence to diet and physical activity recommendations, and a majority of women did not meet GWG guidelines. Modifiable health behaviors were associated with GWG, and their promotion should be included in prenatal care.

Total and trimester-specific gestational weight gain and infant anthropometric outcomes at birth and 6 months in low-income Hispanic families

Deierlein, A. L., Messito, M. J., Katzow, M., Berube, L. T., Dolin, C. D., & Gross, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2020

Journal title

Pediatric Obesity

Volume

15

Issue

3

10.1111/ijpo.12589

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To describe total and trimester-specific gestational weight gain (GWG) among low-income Hispanic women and determine whether these GWG exposures are associated with infant anthropometric outcomes at birth and 6 months. Study Design: Data were from 448 mother-infant pairs enrolled in the Starting Early child obesity prevention trial. Prenatal weights were used to calculate total GWG and 2nd and 3rd trimester GWG rates (kg/week) and categorized as inadequate, adequate, and excessive according to the 2009 Institute of Medicine recommendations. Multivariable linear and modified Poisson regressions estimated associations of infant anthropometric outcomes (birthweight, small-for-gestational age [SGA], large-for-gestational age [LGA], rapid weight gain, and weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length z-scores at 6 months) with GWG categories. Results: For total GWG, 39% and 27% of women had inadequate and excessive GWG, respectively. 57% and 46% had excessive GWG rates in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, respectively, with 29% having excessive rates in both trimesters. Inadequate total GWG was associated with lower infant weight and length outcomes (ß range for z-scores = −0.21 to −0.46, p < 0.05) and lower risk of LGA (adjusted Relative Risk, aRR = 0.38; 95% confidence intervals, CI: 0.16, 0.95) and rapid weight gain (aRR = 0.72; 95%CI: 0.51, 1.00). GWG rates above recommendations in the 2nd trimester or 2nd/3rd trimesters were associated with greater weight outcomes at birth and 6 months (ß range for z-scores = 0.24 to 0.35, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Counseling women about health behaviors and closely monitoring GWG beginning in early pregnancy is necessary, particularly among populations at high-risk of obesity.

Correlates of Prenatal Diet Quality in Low-Income Hispanic Women

Thomas Berube, L., Messito, M. J., Woolf, K., Deierlein, A., & Gross, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2019

Journal title

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Volume

119

Issue

8

Page(s)

1284-1295

10.1016/j.jand.2019.02.004

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Low-income Hispanic women are at-risk of poor prenatal diet quality. Correlates associated with prenatal diet quality in this group of women are understudied. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the associations between financial, cultural, psychosocial, and lifestyle correlates and prenatal diet quality in low-income Hispanic women. Design: This cross-sectional analysis used data from pregnant women enrolled in the Starting Early Trial, a randomized-controlled trial of a primary-care based child obesity prevention program beginning in pregnancy. The trial enrolled women from clinics affiliated with a large urban medical center in New York City from 2012 to 2014. Financial, cultural, psychosocial, and lifestyle variables were collected using a comprehensive baseline questionnaire. Usual dietary intakes over the past year were assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire 2005 bilingual version. Participants: The study enrolled low-income Hispanic women between 28 and 32 gestational weeks (N=519). Main outcome measures: Prenatal diet quality was measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2015. Statistical analyses performed: Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine independent associations between financial, cultural, psychosocial, and lifestyle correlates and Healthy Eating Index 2015 total score. Results: Overall prenatal diet quality was poor (mean Healthy Eating Index 2015 total score=69.0±9.4). Most women did not meet the maximum score for total vegetables (65.3%), whole grains (97.1%), dairy (74.8%), fatty acids (84.4%), refined grains (79.8%), sodium (97.5%), saturated fats (92.9%), and added sugars (66.5%). Women who reported screen time ≤2 hours/day, physical activity before and/or during pregnancy, and being born outside the United States had higher mean Healthy Eating Index 2015 total score than women with screen time >2 hours/day, no physical activity, and those born in the United States. Conclusions: Prenatal diet quality of low-income pregnant Hispanic women was suboptimal. This cross-sectional study revealed associations between cultural and lifestyle factors and prenatal diet quality in low-income Hispanic women. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine long-term influences and specific behaviors to target for effective intervention studies.

Concerns About Current Breast Milk Intake Measurement for Population-Based Studies

Thomas Berube, L., Gross, R., Messito, M. J., Deierlein, A., Katzow, M., & Woolf, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2018

Journal title

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Volume

118

Issue

10

Page(s)

1827-1831

10.1016/j.jand.2018.06.010

Diet quality of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis using the healthy eating index (HEI)-2010

Lifestyle behaviors affecting bone health in young hispanic and Non-Hispanic white women