Testing the efficacy and mechanisms of the 'gravitostat' as a tool to support long-term weight loss in people with obesity SSEHS/JAK/2 at Loughborough University on FindAPhD.com

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Dr J King, Dr D Stensel, Dr Dimitrios Papamargaritis No more applications being accepted Self-Funded PhD Students Only

Loughborough United Kingdom Nutrition Biological Sciences Sport & Exercise Science

About the Project

Obesity is disease that adversely affects the physical and mental health of many people in low- and high-income nations. Whilst progress has been made regarding lifestyle approaches supporting weight loss, weight regain remains a key clinical challenge. Recently, a new mechanism of long-term weight regulation has been proposed – termed the ‘gravitostat’[1,2].

Acting in a negative feedback manner, it is proposed that bone loading generates a signal which suppresses appetite and food intake, therefore protecting against weight gain. In a clinical context, one implication of this model is that reduced loading in response to weight loss may encourage compensatory weight regain. This PhD studentship will investigate whether external loading (weighted vests) is able to facilitate long-term weight loss in people with obesity that are experiencing diet-induced weight loss.

Alongside a clinical trial, this PhD studentship will include mechanistic (human) lab-based studies exploring the impact of external loading on appetite regulation, energy expenditure, energy balance and body weight.

The project will be led by Dr James King and Professor David Stensel at Loughborough University. Dr King and Prof Stensel have been conducting research in the area of exercise, appetite, and energy balance for approximately 15 years and have an established research team located in the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (East Midlands). This project will be supported externally by Dr Dimitrios Papamargaritis who is a consultant in diabetes and endocrinology (specialising in weight management) at the University of Leicester.

This project would be suitable for students with an interest in the areas of appetite regulation, energy balance, obesity, physical activity, and metabolic health. Applicants should have an undergraduate and master’s degree in related areas. A bench fee of approximately £5,000 per annum will be needed to support study consumables.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr James King

Secondary supervisors: Prof David Stensel, Dr Dimitrios Papamargaritis (University of Leicester)

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Students should have an Undergraduate and Master's degree in relevent fields such as: sport and exercise science, nutrition, biological sciences and psychology (biological).

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Find out more about research degree funding

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/JAK/2 in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

Apply now

Funding Notes

UK fee
£4,500 full-time degree per annum
International fee
£24,100 full-time degree per annum
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

References

[1] Ohlsson C, Gidestrand E, Bellman J, Larsson C, Palsdottir V, Hägg D, Jansson PA, Jansson JO. Increased weight loading reduces body weight and body fat in obese subjects – A proof of concept randomized clinical trial. EClinicalMedicine 2020, 22. DOI:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100338.
[2] Jansson JO, Palsdottir V, Hägg DA, Schéle E, Dickson SL, Anesten F, Bake T, Montelius M, Bellman J, Johansson ME, et al. Body weight homeostat that regulates fat mass independently of leptin in rats and mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017, 115, 427–432. DOI:10.1073/pnas.1715687114.

Where will I study?

Loughborough University

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