Heron Study

We know that weight problems such as obesity can affect hormone levels, sleep patterns and the risk of diabetes. These problems usually occur when people have been overweight for several years, but we don’t know how long it takes for these problems to develop. We also don’t understand why some people develop these problems while others do not.

In this study, we want to understand the changes that occur in the body when people overeat for a short time, equivalent to the amount of food people typically overeat between Christmas and New Year. We interested in studying the changes in sleep patterns, hormone levels, metabolism and blood pressure after a short period of overeating.

If we find that some hormones change with overeating, then it will tell us that the body can detect subtle increases in calorie intake. If we can find out how the body detects excess calories, then we could use this knowledge to find ways to help people with weight problems in the future.

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