Weight loss study seeks young women

Monday, 18 June 2007

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, says 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.

"Younger women in Australia are gaining weight faster than previous generations," Ms Lim says. "Managing weight can be difficult for young women due to juggling the responsibilities of parenting, advancing careers and relationships. Health, diet and exercise may sometimes take a back seat to these."

A recent national report found that only 8% of young women consume adequate vegetables and just 30% meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. "We are looking for new ways to tackle the problem of excess weight in young women by comparing two different approaches to weight loss: drugs or diet," Ms Lim says.

Metformin is traditionally used for people with Type 2 diabetes, but can also assist weight loss, reduce hunger and improve body composition. "We need more evidence on its effects, especially in young women," Ms Lim says.

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.

One third of the participants will take Metformin, one third will take a placebo and the remainder will be supported by the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet for the first 12 weeks. After that, all participants will receive online support for nine months via a specific website.

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

 

Contact Details

Siew Lim
Email: siew.lim@adelaide.edu.au
School of Molecular and Biomedical Science
University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 8901
Mobile: 0431 472 530


Mr David Ellis
Email: david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Website: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/
Deputy Director, Media and Corporate Relations
External Relations
The University of Adelaide
Business: +61 8 8313 5414
Mobile: +61 (0)421 612 762