Tuesday, 04 May 2021
A new MRI study could reveal why some people are more likely to become obese than others by examining what happens in the brain and gut when people consume food high in fat and carbohydrate.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham are looking for volunteers with a BMI above 30 kg/m2 to take part in the first study that will scan the brain and gut at the same MRI session.
The study will examine what happens in the brain and gut and the interactions between them when people consume fat and carbohydrate meals. The findings could provide a possible explanation for why some people develop a high body mass index (BMI) and are heavier than others.
Dr Sally Eldeghaidy is an Anne McLaren Fellow with the Future Food Beacon and is leading the research, she said: “This study could potentially reveal why some people become obese by understanding interactions between the brain and the gut after consuming fat and carbohydrate meals. Thanks to the state-of-the-art MRI scanning equipment we have at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre at the University. We will for first time combine brain and gut imaging at the same MRI scan session, which will give us a full picture of what happens inside the body after we eat. We are keen to recruit volunteers for this study as soon as possible as this project was due to start last year but like so many things was delayed due to Covid.”
Overall 40 healthy volunteers between 18 and 45 years are needed – 20 with a BMI above 30 kg/m2 and 20 with normal BMI (between 19 and 25 kg/m2). All volunteers will need to attend two MRI sessions, where they will be fed a specially formulated mixture (suitable for vegan) containing fat and another with carbohydrate. During each session they will be scanned at intervals over 3.5 hours to measure brain and gut responses during fat and carbohydrate digestion. Blood will also be taken to measure satiety and appetite hormones in the blood. The scans will take place at the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre at the University of Nottingham and participants will be paid a disturbance allowance.
Dr Eldeghaidy continues: “During this study I expect to see some differences between how someone with a healthy BMI and someone with high BMI processes food. Understanding the mechanisms behind the regulation of food intake will lead to a greater understanding of some of the possible reasons for obesity and this knowledge could lead to better treatments and interventions.”
If you are interested in finding out more about how to take part in this study contact: sally.eldeghaidy@nottingham.ac.uk
Story credits
More information on the research is available from Dr Sally Eldeghaidy at the University of Nottingham on sally.eldeghaidy@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the second most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2022 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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