Assessing The Impact Of A Multi-component Intervention To Improve Dietary Intake Of Indigenous Australian Children And Their Families Living In Remote Communities
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,455,043.00
Summary
Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption seems to contribute to obesity and diabetes. We aim to test the impact of multi-component intervention including a school-based nutrition education program combining high levels of parental involvement plus a supportive environment to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and improve healthy eating among Indigenous Australian children and their families living in remote communities.
Improving Weight Loss By Intermittent Use Of Very Low Energy Diet: The TANGO Diet Trial (Temporary Phases Of Accelerated Weight Loss For Noticeably Greater Outcomes)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$660,736.00
Summary
Very low energy diet (VLED) is being increasingly used for the treatment of obesity, but the resultant weight loss is usually transient, partly because it induces powerful adaptive responses that inhibit weight loss and promote regain. We have shown that 'taking a break from dieting' for 2 weeks reduces these adaptive responses. In this project we will thus test whether weight loss outcomes with VLED can be improved via intermittent use, where periods on the VLED are alternated with 'breaks'.
Serial NT-proBNP Monitoring For Predicting Major Cardiovascular Events In The Dialysis Population
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,548.00
Summary
Dialysis patients have a 50-100 fold increased risk of dying from heart disease caused by abnormal heart muscle structure and function. Current tests are unable to accurately identify patients at the highest risk. A test that accurately detects the early stages of heart injury is urgently needed. The aim of our research is to develop a monitoring guide using regular testing of a heart hormone (NT-proBNP) to identify high-risk dialysis patients early allowing treatment before a serious medical co ....Dialysis patients have a 50-100 fold increased risk of dying from heart disease caused by abnormal heart muscle structure and function. Current tests are unable to accurately identify patients at the highest risk. A test that accurately detects the early stages of heart injury is urgently needed. The aim of our research is to develop a monitoring guide using regular testing of a heart hormone (NT-proBNP) to identify high-risk dialysis patients early allowing treatment before a serious medical complication occurs.Read moreRead less
Long-term Metabolic Effects Of Stress And Antidepressants: A Novel Translational Animal Paradigm Of Drug-induced Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,231.00
Summary
Do antidepressants contribute to Australia's obesity epidemic? Millions of Australians are treated with antidepressants, which often causes weight gain. Our work shows that even brief exposure to antidepressants exacerbate body weight gain following exposure to chronic stress. This new knowledge represents a significant shift in the understanding of antidepressant-related weight gain. In this project we will study the mechanisms involved in long-term weight gain after exposure to stress and anti ....Do antidepressants contribute to Australia's obesity epidemic? Millions of Australians are treated with antidepressants, which often causes weight gain. Our work shows that even brief exposure to antidepressants exacerbate body weight gain following exposure to chronic stress. This new knowledge represents a significant shift in the understanding of antidepressant-related weight gain. In this project we will study the mechanisms involved in long-term weight gain after exposure to stress and antidepressants in an obesogenic environment.Read moreRead less
Long-term Effects Of Very Low Energy Diet Versus Conventional Diet On Adiposity, Lean Body Mass, Muscle Strength And Bone Density In Obese Adults, And Mechanisms Promoting Changes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$925,990.00
Summary
Very low energy diets (VLEDs) are increasingly used to treat obesity. Of concern is the fact that VLEDs induce adaptive responses that can inhibit loss of – and promote regain of – fatness (particularly belly fat) while decreasing lean body mass, muscle strength and bone density. This project will therefore determine whether VLEDs could have negative effects on body composition that increase the risk of metabolic disease, sarcopenia or osteoporosis, and if so, what are the mechanisms involved.
Control Of Neuropeptide FF Receptors On Appetite And Energy Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$609,281.00
Summary
Despite the alarming obesity epidemic, there currently exists no effective long-term treatment for obesity. Neuropeptide FF and its receptor NPFF2R have an emerging role in regulating food intake and body fat stores. Results from this study will show whether NPFF2R plays an important role in regulating appetite, metabolic rate, body weight and fat stores, thus help to identify whether NPFF2R-targeted therapeutics would confer significant benefit for the long-term treatment of obesity.