The Effect Of Overexpression And Underexpression Of Beacon In Transgenic Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$316,540.00
Summary
Overweight and Obesity are very prevalent in our society. Obesity is the cause of many medical problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, sleep apnoea, arthritis and some cancers. The idea that individuals can freely choose whether they eat or not eat is only true in the short term. Recent work has clearly shown that the desire to eat (hunger) and the decision to stop eating (satiety) are determined by the net level of many chemicals (neurotransmitters) in an area ....Overweight and Obesity are very prevalent in our society. Obesity is the cause of many medical problems including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal lipids, sleep apnoea, arthritis and some cancers. The idea that individuals can freely choose whether they eat or not eat is only true in the short term. Recent work has clearly shown that the desire to eat (hunger) and the decision to stop eating (satiety) are determined by the net level of many chemicals (neurotransmitters) in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. Malfunction in some of these neurotransmitters has been shown to cause severe obesity in both animals and humans. A clear understanding of how the hypothalamus regulates body weight may lead to treatments for both severe obesity and anorexia. This project deals with investigating the role of a new hypothalamic protein in body weight regulation. This protein called beacon was discovered by one of the chief investigators (GC) who has shown that when it is injected in the brain it causes rats to overeat and put on excess weight. The aim of this project is to produce mice in which the amount of beacon is increased in the brain and other mice who do not have beacon and then to study the impact onthe regulation of body weight.Read moreRead less
An Investigation Of Physiological Adapatations Contributing To Weight Regain After Weight Loss
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,897.00
Summary
Why we gain weight, and why it s hard to maintain weight loss, is the focus of this study. We can regulate food intake by voluntary control in the short term ( dieting ), but our long term ability to control food intake is more complex. Many proteins work together to regulate food intake, as do circulating factors in our blood. Before and after weight loss, subjects feelings of hunger and satiety will be examined so that we can identify pathways that are involved in successful weight loss.
Is A Higher Intake Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Advantageous For Weight Loss?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$473,219.00
Summary
A 12 month dietary trial will be conducted to investigate whether a diet that is high in polyunsaturated fat (particularly long chain omega-3 fats found in fish oil) improves weight loss and metabolism, compared to a standard low fat weight-reducing diet. Other benefits of the diet, such as improvements in blood pressure, blood lipids and glucose, will be investigated. The findings will be used to refine dietary advice for weight loss and to develop food products enriched with fish oil.
Effect Of Prenatal N-3 Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids On Body Mass In Early Childhood
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,462,626.00
Summary
In Australia more than 1 in 5 four year-olds are now classified as overweight. There is good evidence that omega-3 fats inhibit the early development of fat cells and thereby reduce the later accumulation of excess body fat. This will be the first human trial to examine whether an increased supply of low cost omega 3 fats in pregnancy can reduce fatness and the likelihood of developing type II diabetes in childhood.
Obesity, Self Image, Eating Behaviour, Nutriton And Activity In Australian Preadolescent School Children.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$167,328.00
Summary
Obesity in children is increasing, but there is a great deal of concern about whether education about diet and obesity will produce eating disorders. While there is a lot of information about the eating practices, body image worries and self esteem in teenagers, there is no information really available about what primary school children in this country know about eating, about whether they diet or not, where they get their information about dieting and about their self esteem and body image part ....Obesity in children is increasing, but there is a great deal of concern about whether education about diet and obesity will produce eating disorders. While there is a lot of information about the eating practices, body image worries and self esteem in teenagers, there is no information really available about what primary school children in this country know about eating, about whether they diet or not, where they get their information about dieting and about their self esteem and body image particularly if they are overweight or very thin. It is important to gather this information as it is in the teen years that problems about eating and body image really emerge. These concerns must be starting in primary school children, This study aims to gather this information and more from 2442 primary school children across NSW. This information will enable proper education programs about eating, body image and obesity to be developed so no harm is caused by trying to reduce obesity. This study will also gather important information about how many children are obese or have eating disorders and will see what part their physical activity plays in their weight and the way they go about controlling it. To have healthy adults in the next generation, with less obesity and eating problems, it is important to gather information about nutrition and eating beliefs, dieting, body image and self esteem in children now.Read moreRead less