The University of Canberra (UC) is offering Canberrans breakfast as part of a new study into appetite and weight gain.
Calling for study participants, Lead Researcher and PhD student at UC’s Faculty of Health, Andrew Warrilow, said the research would examine whether altering the composition of someone’s diet could help them feel satiated even after eating less – “which could impact the prevention, maintenance and treatment of overweight and obesity.”
“Satiation refers to the number of kilojoules someone needs to consume when they are eating, in order to feel full,” Mr Warrilow said.
“This study will look at how macronutrients – fat, protein and carbohydrates – interact, to vary their ability to satiate,” he said.
“Finding a way to improve satiation response may allow individuals to get greater satisfaction from their food intake per unit of energy consumed – which potentially means they can feel full even though they are eating less.”
Mr Warrilow said the research could also lead to a better understanding of the causes and originating factors of weight gain.
The Lead Researcher said study participants would be asked to eat a breakfast provided by UC on four different days, a minimum of one week apart.
“At this point, we’re looking for participants who are male – because women’s appetites are also influenced by their hormonal cycles – and aged between 18 and 40,” Mr Warrilow said.
“They should be in good health, non-smokers and with no existing food allergies and they should fall within the normal weight range,” he said.
“It’s all-natural food that will be provided – nothing artificial – and participants will get to learn about their own appetite responses as well.”
Further information in participating in the study can be accessed at this PS News link.
