The Role Of Dietary Protein On Weight Loss And Body Composition In Men And Women With Insulin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$208,055.00
Summary
Obesity is an increasing problem in the community and is associated with an increased incidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Although conventional dietary advice for weight loss is a low fat high carbohydrate and high fibre diet there is a very strong interest in the media and the general population in alternative diets that feature reduced carbohydrate with the remainder of the diet either protein or a mixture of protein and fat ....Obesity is an increasing problem in the community and is associated with an increased incidence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Although conventional dietary advice for weight loss is a low fat high carbohydrate and high fibre diet there is a very strong interest in the media and the general population in alternative diets that feature reduced carbohydrate with the remainder of the diet either protein or a mixture of protein and fat. Unfortunately there is very little published data to guide the decisions of health professionals in this area and there is a strong demand for such information. We plan to perform 2 large weight loss studies which focus on high protein diets with one exchanging protein for carbohydrate and keeping fat constant and the second exchanging protein for fat keeping carbohydrate constant. We will assess whether the high protein diets blunt the decrease in metabolic rate that occurs with weight loss, and whether it spares some of the inevitable loss of muscle mass. We will also measure whether high protein diets improve glucose metabolism in people already at risk of diabetes and heart disease because of their obesity and high insulin levels.Read moreRead less
The Role Of Wheat Gluten In The Genesis Of Gastrointestinal Symptoms And Fatigue In Patients With Non-coeliac Gluten Intolerance.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$686,242.00
Summary
Currently �gluten- and wheat-intolerances� are poorly recognised by the medical profession and yet many Australians who do not have coeliac disease claim to be wheat- or gluten-intolerant. The most common complaints relate to chronic fatigue and gut symptoms such as wind and bloating. Our research team have new and recent evidence that wheat-gluten does trigger symptoms in some patients who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This project aims to improve our understanding in this area.
Gastrointestinal Function And Appetite In Obesity - Acute And Longer-term Effects Of Changes In Energy Intake
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$744,645.00
Summary
The prevalence of obesity is assuming epidemic proportions. While weight loss diets help people to lose weight, body weight stabilises over time despite continued dieting. Our research proposal represents a novel initiative with the aim to understand the adaptations in gastrointestinal mechanisms in response to acute and longer-term dietary restriction that compromise weight loss. Ultimately our research will help to develop weight loss strategies that are successful in the long-term.
Effects Of The Fatty Acid, Lauric Acid, On Energy Intake And Gut Motor And Hormonal Function In Health And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$744,645.00
Summary
Obesity is largely due to energy intake exceeding energy expenditure, thus, strategies that reduce energy intake will result in weight loss. We discovered recently that the fatty acid, lauric acid, markedly reduces energy intake. Our studies will determine the effects of lauric acid on energy intake and body weight reduction in obese subjects. The research is a new initiative and explores the potential of lauric acid as a novel, nutrient-based and side-effect free approach to obesity management.
Effects Of Dietary Protein On Gastrointestinal Function: Implications For The Regulation Of Energy Intake In Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$677,157.00
Summary
Obesity is largely due to energy intake exceeding energy expenditure. The CI has reported that dietary protein markedly reduces energy intake but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unknown. The proposed studies will determine whether gastrointestinal mechanisms are involved in the regulation of appetite and energy intake and how they relate to body weight reduction in obese subjects. The research represents a unique approach to the management of obesity and health.
A Dietary Intervention In Gestational Diabetes To Reduce Child Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$354,715.00
Summary
Women with gestational diabetes (GDM) whose blood glucose levels (BGL) are not well controlled have a higher chance of giving birth to large babies. These babies are at high risk of becoming overweight children and adults. Preventing child obesity therefore requires appropriate intervention during pregnancy complicated with GDM. This study will determine the ability of specific dietary advice (aimed at reducing maternal BGL) to reduce the risk of large babies in a typical ante-natal setting.
Nutritional Psychiatry: Extending The Evidence And Ensuring Translation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,238,220.00
Summary
While poor diet is the leading contributor to illness and premature death globally, mental disorders account for the leading cause of disability. I have led the field internationally in establishing, for the first time, that diet quality and mental health are linked and have established a new field of research and clinical practice ‘Nutritional Psychiatry’. My program of research will now extend the evidence base and facilitate translation of this new knowledge into policy and practice.