PhD Study : Weight regain in Gastric Bypass patients; associations with eating behaviour and gut signalling

Apply and key information  

Summary

Background:

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB) is a highly effective treatment for morbid obesity and results in long-term weight loss and resolution of comorbidities.  However, weight regain may occur as soon as 1-2 years after surgery.  A range of factors have been suggested within the literature which could play a role in weight regain post-surgery, including lifestyle (e.g. sedentary time, eating behaviours), patient characteristics (e.g. age),  psychological health (e.g. depressive symptoms), hormonal/metabolic changes (e.g. initial post-surgery weight loss, gut hormone response and microbiota), and, surgical factors / clinical support.

Overall findings from these studies highlight the complexity of the mechanisms underlying weight loss and regain after GB and emphasise the need for well-designed prospective studies to further explore the prevalence, predictors, and mechanisms of weight regain.  Identifying these factors would provide valuable information on how to both effectively manage GB patients postoperatively, and to identify patients at baseline most likely to benefit from the surgery.

Ulster Gastric Bypass Cohort:

The proposed project is a follow-up study using the existing Ulster GB cohort, funded by a US-Ireland Grant.  Within the Ulster GB cohort study morbidly obese adult patients eligible for bariatric surgery (n=31) and weight stable controls (n=32) were recruited to take part in a residential observational trial at Ulster University.

Each subject was assessed pre-surgery, and at 3, 12, and 24 months post-surgery, with controls being time-matched.  The final visits are currently being completed. During each study visit participants stayed for two nights in the Human Intervention Studies Unit to allow objective measurements to be undertaken, including, total and regional body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), basal metabolic rate (indirect calorimetry), 24-hour food intake and eating behaviour (covert weighing and direct observation), food liking and wanting, medications and gut hormone responses after a standardised breakfast.  Qualitative interviews were also conducted.

This proposal seeks to follow this cohort up at 5 years post-surgery in order to identify lifestyle, psychological and metabolic factors associated with weight loss, maintenance and regain after gastric bypass surgery. PhD aim: To investigate the prevalence, and possible pre- and post-operative predictors, of weight regain in the existing Ulster GB cohort 5 years postsurgery.

Proposed PhD Outline:

1. Review of factors that may impact on weight regain post-GB surgery.

2. Anthropometric and eating behaviour-related predictors of weight regain post-GB surgery

3. Changes in gut signalling post-GB surgery and its associations with weight regain

4. Qualitive predictors of weight regain in GB patients 5 years postsurgery It is hoped that outcomes from the study will help inform patient care to improve long-term weight loss maintenance.

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

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.

  • 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
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • 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:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

  • Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
  • Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
  • Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
9 to 20 March

Preferred student start date
September 2020

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Ruth Price

Other supervisors