He had published research using falsified and fabricated data in studies on aging metabolism and obesity, including purporting to show beneficial effects on lipid profiles and abdominal fat in menopausal women being treated with hormone therapy.
Poehlman built a reputation as one of the leading authorities on the metabolic changes that come with aging, particularly during menopause; he published more than 200 journal articles over two decades of research.
Poehlman was accused of scientific misconduct and on March 17, 2005 pleaded guilty to the charges, acknowledging falsifying 17 grant applications to the National Institutes of Health and fabricating data in ten of his papers that were submitted between 1992 and 2000.
[6][4][2] In a media release from the U.S. Department of Justice, the District of Vermont's U.S. Attorney was quoted: "Dr. Poehlman fraudulently diverted millions of dollars", said David V. Kirby.
"[7] In addition to jail time, Poehlman was permanently barred from receiving further federal research grants and was ordered by the court to write letters of retraction and correction to several scientific journals.