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The Role Of Brain Inflammation In Leptin Resistance
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$730,123.00
Summary
Melanocortin neurons control body weight and are regulated by leptin. In obesity leptin cannot regulate the melanocortin system. We will test if leptin action on melanocortin neurons is limited by increased expression of suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) in obese mice. As an alternative we will test if there are changes in the blood brain barrier, or an increased density of support and immune cells around melanocortin neurons of obese mice that might restrict inputs to these neurons.
Does Obesity Have The Characteristics Of Addiction?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,832.00
Summary
The number of overweight or obese people in Australia has increased dramatically in recent years, increasing disease risk. The brain responds to palatable food in ways similar to the response to drugs of addiction, and this may explain why people find it hard to resist palatable food. Our work will explore whether obesity in rats has the characteristics of addiction by examining bingeing, craving, withdrawal and brain circuits in animals chronically exposed to palatable food.
Cardiometabolic Risk Trajectories From Childhood To Midlife: Finding Pathways To Better Health
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,531,987.00
Summary
Using data from a large cohort of Australian children followed for over 30 years, this study will investigate how weight status and physical fitness from childhood to adulthood determine early markers of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (cardiometabolic disease) in midlife. It will provide much needed evidence to address the high prevalence of cardiometabolic disease risk factors in young Australians through better targeted disease prevention and early clinical intervention strategies.
Reducing consumption of sugary drinks (or sugar-sweetened beverages) would improve the healthiness of young Australians’ diets. Young Australians drink sugary drinks in high quantities, and they contribute a lot of ‘empty calories’ to the diet. They are also known to cause tooth decay, obesity and diabetes. This study will test the effectiveness of consumer information/warning labels on drink containers in reducing the purchase of SSBs.
Preventing Obesity And Promoting Healthy Body Image In Australian Secondary Schools: A Web-based System Tailored To Individual Needs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,320,398.00
Summary
This study will test an individually tailored body image and weight management program. The program is delivered online to students in early secondary school and builds on our partnership with Stanford University adapting internet programs for use in Australia. Staying Fit Australia gives individual guidance about concerns and attitudes to weight and shape, nutrition and physical activity. The program aims to prevent obesity and promote healthy nutrition and physical activity in all adolescents.
Vitamin D, Bone Loss, Fracture And Mortality Outcome
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,736.00
Summary
Vitamin D most commonly from sunlight exposure is considered an important determinant of health, including the liability to falls and fractures; not only in the elderly but in adulthood in general. This study aims to distinguish if low vitamin D levels cause adverse health outcomes or relate to ill health, limited sunlight exposure and nutritional change. Only if low vitamin D level is causative of ill health does replacement make good public health sense.
The Obesity Prone Oocyte- Causes, Consequences, Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$516,159.00
Summary
Obesity is perpetuated from mothers to offspring, in part due to changes in the oocyte (egg) that affect embryo growth. We have discovered that obesity causes changes in the mitochondria (the energy producers) of the egg. We hypothesise this causes long-lasting changes to embryo metabolism and will test, in mice, novel treatments to reverse the detrimental effects. The project will show how obesity affects embryo metabolism and growth, and determine whether defects can be prevented by drugs or l ....Obesity is perpetuated from mothers to offspring, in part due to changes in the oocyte (egg) that affect embryo growth. We have discovered that obesity causes changes in the mitochondria (the energy producers) of the egg. We hypothesise this causes long-lasting changes to embryo metabolism and will test, in mice, novel treatments to reverse the detrimental effects. The project will show how obesity affects embryo metabolism and growth, and determine whether defects can be prevented by drugs or lifestyle changes.Read moreRead less
Reducing Prolonged Workplace Sitting Time In Office Workers: A Cluster-randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$524,613.00
Summary
Groundbreaking Australian research shows that sitting for too long, which is routine for most office workers, contributes to overweight and to a greater risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. In over 300 desk-bound office workers, this world-first study will assess the effectiveness of an innovative workplace program aimed at reducing and breaking up sitting time. It will identify practical ways for Australian office workers to minimise unhealthy effects of sitting too much at work.
Infant Feeding Including Breastfeeding, And Early Childhood Food And Beverage Intake: Relationships With Early Childhood Caries And Obesity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$246,414.00
Summary
Dental decay and obesity in early childhood continues to be a significant health concern in Australian children. Current evidence suggests that these diseases are higher among children in disadvantaged areas. This increases their risk to continue them in adulthood. There is a lack of evidence exploring the interactions between feeding, in particular breastfeeding, obesity, and dental decay. Phase 1 of this study is completed sucessfully. The present proposal is Phase 2 of a longitudinal study th ....Dental decay and obesity in early childhood continues to be a significant health concern in Australian children. Current evidence suggests that these diseases are higher among children in disadvantaged areas. This increases their risk to continue them in adulthood. There is a lack of evidence exploring the interactions between feeding, in particular breastfeeding, obesity, and dental decay. Phase 1 of this study is completed sucessfully. The present proposal is Phase 2 of a longitudinal study that investigates this relationship.Read moreRead less
Increasing Physical Activity Among Young Children From Disadvantaged Communities: A Group Randomised Controlled Effectiveness Trial.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,107,309.00
Summary
This project will evaluate the impact of a multi-level, multi-setting program to promote physical activity and movement skills among pre-school-aged children in disadvantaged communities. It will target the professional development of childcare educators and of parents. Childcare centres will be linked to the Early Start Facility at the University of Wollongong using state-of-the-art technology providing a unique opportunity to work with educators and parents in regional and remote areas.