Project Description:
Global prevalence of overweight and obesity has risen alarmingly in recent decades, and particularly so in the West. The consequent major health complications are estimated to account for over 5 million annual deaths with the majority occurring in those under 70 (1). A recent economic analysis estimated that 8% of the total UK healthcare budget is used directly within the management of obesity, without accounting for all the indirect effects (1).
Body weight management is ultimately a balance between ‘energy in’ (i.e. nutrition) and ‘energy out’ (i.e. basal metabolic rate and total physical activity), but effective and sustainable strategies to persistently achieve an energy deficit (i.e. for weight loss) or energy balance (i.e. for weight maintenance) are challenging. Very low-calorie diets have been shown to be effective in achieving rapid weight loss and improving cardio-metabolic health (2). Increases in physical activity and/or structured exercise alongside a calorie-controlled diet have been shown effective in longer term weight management (3). However, adhering to low(er) calorie diets, especially with additional energy demands of exercise, is challenging, making long-term weight management difficult to achieve.
Higher protein diets are thought to be more effective while adhering to lower calories due to being more satiating and allowing the retention of muscle mass thereby maintaining basal metabolic rate. However, minimal work has addressed what may represent appropriate dietary protein sources to select, both from an efficacy perspective and in support of different dietary choices. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms by which such diets would work, and improve health, have not been elucidated. We recently proposed (4) that the mechanistic framework exists to imply that mycoprotein (fungal derived protein source) could be an efficacious dietary protein choice for individuals wishing to adopt a non-animal derived, environmentally sustainable diet aimed at inducing weight loss, maintenance and/or associated health benefits, but such studies remain to be performed.
The aim of the present studentship opportunity is to perform a series of studies examining the ability of high(er) protein, low energy diets, predicated either on animal or mycoprotein food sources, with or without exercise interventions, to facilitate weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight and obese adults. This will be done in a holistic manner, making measurements pertinent to weight loss, markers of cardio-metabolic health and examining the underpinning physiological mechanisms.
This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend. For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £16,062 per year tax-free stipend. Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply, but should note that the award will only provide payment for part of the international tuition fee and no stipend.
International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Entry requirements:
Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in nutrition, physiology, sports science, biochemistry or related discipline. An MSc would be desirable.
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level (Profile B) as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/
How to apply
In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents.
· CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project). One page maximum.
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to [Email Address Removed] quoting the studentship reference number.
• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.
• If invited to interview you will be asked to prepare a (max) 5 minute oral power-point presentation outlining a proposed first project that fits the remit of the PhD outline.
The closing date for applications is midnight on August 12th 2022. Interviews will be held on the University of Exeter St Luke’s Campus in the week commencing September 5th 2022.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email [Email Address Removed] or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers) Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor, [Email Address Removed].
For further information and to submit an application please visit - https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/funding/award/?id=4483
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