Exploration of Body Weight Regulation

Of the environmental factors which influence body weight, nutrients have the most impact. Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are a macronutrient, which induce obesity, characterised by metabolic dysfunction and altered feeding behaviour. Currently, there are no effective pharmaceutical treatments for obesity. Nutraceutical intervention, including consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), represents a promising alternative. PUFAs oppose the effects of SFAs, attenuating weight gain by enhancing satiety. However, in studies using human and rodent models findings are difficult to interpret, due to variation in protocols. The primary aim of this project was to create a rational model of chronic PUFA consumption.