University of Aberdeen scientists investigating the role of fibre in supporting weight loss are seeking volunteers.
Twenty overweight men and women are being recruited to take part in research to test if including it in our diet can increase feelings of fullness.
The study is part of a collaborative £6milllion European project to develop and test new food products with satiating qualities to help control appetite, manage weight and combat obesity.
Dr Alex Johnstone from the University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Institute of Nutrition who is leading the study said: “One of the main barriers to achieving weight loss is feeling hungry. What our study is examining is whether fibre can make people feel fuller.
“Understanding this will allow us to investigate innovative new food products which could be created to target weight control in the future.”
Volunteers who participate in the study will be provided with a diet for 24 days which incorporates fibre within foods such as rice and bread and meals including stews. All food in the study will be supplied and volunteers will be asked to attend the Rowett Institute three times a week to undergo monitoring including body and appetite measurements.
Those interested in volunteering for the study should contact Reyna Patricia Romero-gonzalez on 01224 438582, email r.romerogonzalez@abdn.ac.uk or visit www.abdn.ac.uk/rowett/volunteer/satin-study.php for more information.
The Rowett Institute is a partner in SATIN - SATiety Innovation - a five year, EU funded project led by the University of Liverpool - that draws together experts from academia and industry to produce new food products using the latest processing innovation techniques.
It aims to better understanding the biological processes in the stomach and the brain that underpin what makes us feel "full", to evaluate whether this approach is a viable weight management tool.
SATIN comprises of a consortium of 18 academic and industrial partners from 9 European countries including leading research institutes, large companies and small and medium sized companies in the food and retail industry – including AXXAM and Coca‐Cola - who specialise in novel food formulation and production.
Dr Johnstone said: “The SATIN project provides an exciting opportunity to collaborate with the food industry to develop new and innovative products that could help combat obesity. Obesity is a major public health issue facing the European Union - it is estimated that 60% of men, 50% of women and 25% of children in the UK will be obese by 2050.
“Its severe impact on people’s health includes increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, some cancers and heart and liver disease, so it is critical that we establish new routes and advice for people who need help in losing weight.”
For more information on the SATIN project visit http://www.satin-satiety.eu/