PhD Study : When to eat and when to exercise: the impact of timing on energy balance and obesity

Summary

Overweight/obesity is a major health problem worldwide and most interventions focus on dietary intake and physical activity (PA). There is a growing recognition that factors such as timing of eating occasions and PA may contribute to the metabolic response to food intake and thus to energy balance and obesity. In the UK, guidelines on healthy eating and PA levels necessary to benefit heath are available but these recommendations do not consider the timing of eating or exercise.

Recent studies suggest that the time of day when exercise is performed, a highly discretionary aspect of behaviour, may impact on metabolic responses. For example, performing PA in the late evening may not maintain optimal circadian system health as compared to morning. Evidence from animal studies indicate that eating patterns may impact on metabolic responses to food exist. Limited studies in humans suggest that eating patterns may have an influence on overweight/obesity even after controlling for total energy intake and total PA and that timing of eating may have important impacts of weight management. However, more human studies are needed to determine whether timing of food intake significantly influences weight regulation and whilst some studies consider total PA, data on timing of PA is largely absent.

This interdisciplinary PhD project will be to assess the impact of timing of eating and PA on weight management and other health outcomes. The final design of the research programme will be dependent on the strengths and interests of the doctoral researcher, but we propose to use a mixed-methods approach to addressing the research question. A systematic review will be conducted to investigate the relationship between timing of eating and PA on health outcomes (including weight management).

The findings of this review will inform the cross-sectional evaluation of timing of eating occasions and PA on health outcomes (body weight). Depending on the findings from the systematic review and the cross-sectional study an intervention will be developed to consider the impact of timing of eating and timing of PA on energy expenditure. Healthy overweight/obese individuals will be recruited to participate in a randomised cross-over intervention during which total energy intake and total physical activity will be maintained but timing of eating (possibly breakfast versus evening meal with respect to provision of the majority of total daily energy intake) and PA (possibly brisk walking completed in accumulated bouts versus continuous) will be manipulated and health outcomes monitored.

The supervisory team has considerable experience in relation to the development, implementation and evaluation of lifestyle interventions and the successful candidate will avail of collaborative support from Ulster University’s Biomedical Science Research Institute and the Sport and Exercise Science Research Institute.

The outcomes of this PhD project will be to provide a better understanding of the impact of eating occasions and PA on weight management and other health outcomes; such issues of obesity continue to represent a major impact on population health and achieving greater understanding in relation to maximising public health intervention efforts are needed.

As well as the shortlisting criteria mentioned below, it is expected that successful candidate's will have a first class mark in the research methods/project element of their degree.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Use of personal initiative as evidenced by record of work above that normally expected at career stage.
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living