Paolo Piaggi is a Scientist of the Obesity and Diabetes Clinical Research Section, Phoenix Epidemiology & Clinical Research Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. He obtained his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, and Ph.D. in Automation, Robotics and Bioengineering, all from the University of Pisa, in 2006, 2008, and 2012, respectively. He is interested in the physiological and genetic determinants of the energy balance equation (energy intake and expenditure) and the role these play in contributing to weight change and in predisposing individuals to obesity.