Adelaidean - News from the University of Adelaide The University of Adelaide Australia
July 2007 Issue
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Weight loss study seeks young women

Young, overweight women are needed for the second round of a CSIRO Human Nutrition and University of Adelaide study investigating a drug that may promote weight loss.

University and CSIRO researchers are using a combination of the drug Metformin, exercise, diet and Internet support in a 12-month clinical trial.

Lead researcher Dr Manny Noakes, co-author of the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet, said that 41% of women experience significant weight gain in their mid to late twenties, contributing to Australia's rising trend of obesity.

Dr Noakes and the University's Research Centre for Reproductive Health need volunteers to take part in the study which is investigating the weight-reducing potential of Metformin. There is already some evidence that the drug improves insulin sensitivity and has resulted in some weight loss in individuals, including women who suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Physiology PhD student Siew Lim is conducting the trial under the supervision of Dr Noakes, Dr Peter Clifton and Professor Rob Norman.

Women aged between 18 and 35 are required for the study, which includes a three-month weight loss program followed by a nine-month weight maintenance program.

Participants need to be generally healthy (i.e. no known cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, etc), although women suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome are welcome to volunteer. To register for the study, email youngwomenstudy@csiro.au

Story by Candy Gibson

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