How do modern therapies for obesity affect eating behaviour in humans?

Summary

The weight loss experienced during pharmacological and surgical obesity treatments is primarily effected through reduced food intake as a consequence of adapted behavioural and neural mechanisms.

However these mechanisms are not well understood and more in-depth evaluations of the way people eat while undergoing these obesity treatments are needed to further elucidate the mechanisms whereby food intake is reduced and the signalling pathways of the appetite centres of the brain involved.

This PhD programme will evaluate changes in appetitive and consummatory behaviours in individuals undergoing;

1) lifestyle, pharmacological and surgical treatments for obesity by reviewing existing literature,

2) infusion of novel peptides with anorectic properties in experimental medicine studies by directly measuring food intake,

3) gastric bypass obesity treatment by using existing directly observed food intake data in patients up to 5 years after surgery, and,

4) GLP-1 analogue obesity treatment within the EU funded PEACETIME obesity treatment programme.

By understanding these behaviours we will not only gain a better understanding of the mechanisms driving the success of each treatment model and the behavioural phenotypes relating to weight loss, but also be able to better inform individuals embarking on these interventions.

The proposed project offers the PhD researcher the opportunity to develop a wide skillset by drawing data from a range of study types as well as benefiting from specialist training within the PEACETIME project in addition to the training initiatives organised by the Doctoral College.

The researcher will be expected and strongly encouraged to present their research findings at national and international conferences.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

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
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period