None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The prevalence of obesity has increased substantially over recent decades and interventions to halt the epidemic have been unsuccessful. Although the causes of obesity are complex, key drivers include the overconsumption of highly palatable energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods. These dietary changes have had a profound impact on our gut microbiome, which comprises the bacterial community of the bowel. Exciting new evidence suggests that microbial complexity and functionality in the gut may play a crucial role in obesity. In the proposed study we will characterise the gut microbiome in two populations with markedly different metabolic disease risk (Pacific and European women) and different body fat profiles (normal and obese). We will test whether taste perception, diet, sleep and physical activity are key pathways that modify the gut microbiome and its impact on obesity. This new knowledge will help us understand obesity and how best to prevent it.?
Interventions
We will conduct a cross sectional study in 136 Pacific women (known high risk of obesity, 68% obesity) and 136 NZ European women (known moderate risk of obesity, 28% obesity). Women will be selected such that half in each group will have a normal body fat profile (BMI=18.5 -24.9kg/m2) and half an obese body fat profile (BMI>=30 kg/m2). We will characterise the gut microbiome in all groups and test whether taste perception, diet, sleep and physical activity are key pathways that modify the gut m
We will conduct a cross sectional study in 136 Pacific women (known high risk of obesity, 68% obesity) and 136 NZ European women (known moderate risk of obesity, 28% obesity). Women will be selected such that half in each group will have a normal body fat profile (BMI=18.5 -24.9kg/m2) and half an obese body fat profile (BMI>=30 kg/m2). We will characterise the gut microbiome in all groups and test whether taste perception, diet, sleep and physical activity are key pathways that modify the gut microbiome and its impact on obesity.
Sponsors
Professor Bernhard Breier (Chair in Human Nutrition)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Provision of written informed consent 2. Willingness to comply with study requirements 3. Female 18-45 years of age, of NZ European or Pacific ethnicity with BMI between 18.5 and 24.9kg/m2 or of BMI greater than or equal to 30kg/m2 4. Generally healthy, no chronic health conditions
Exclusion criteria
1. Had bariatric surgery 2 Taking medications affecting the immune system or for any chronic disease 3. Pregnant or breastfeeding an infant less than 6 months of age 4. Chronic illnesses (eg. Diabetes Mellitus, CVD, etc) 5. Allergic to milk 6 Severe dietary restrictions or avoidances 7 Unable to comply with study protocol requirements
Outcome results
None listed