Current Studies

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Human Intervention Studies Unit

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Current Studies

Click on any study to read more about what the research is for, who we need to take part, what may be involved and who to contact for more information.

Impact of daily behaviour on weight-loss drug effectiveness

Weight Loss Drug Study LogoThis study aims to understand how day-to-day behaviours such as meal timing, physical activity, sleep, and medication use, affect short-term changes in blood glucose levels in people who are using Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) or Ozempic® (semaglutide).

While these medications are effective in supporting blood glucose control and weight management, there is limited evidence on how daily behaviours may influence their effectiveness in real-world settings.

We will collect information on food intake, medication timing, sleep, physical activity, and blood glucose levels over a 7-day period in everyday (free-living) settings.

The findings from this study may offer preliminary insights into how lifestyle behaviours influence medication response and could help inform future research and the development of more tailored support for people using Mounjaro® or Ozempic®.

You may be eligible to take part if you:

  • Are 18-75 years old
  • Are currently taking Mounjaro® or Ozempic®
  • Are fluent in English and able to give informed consent
  • Have access to a smartphone (to use the Google Fit app) 

You will find more detailed information in the Mounjaro Ozempic Blood Glucose Study Participant Information Sheet.

Contact us

Dr Brendan M Gabriel: brendan.gabriel1@abdn.ac.uk

FAMOUS Study - Help us investigate the heart health benefits of eating fish

Several fresh mackerel in a pileEating fish can protect against heart disease, but also increase blood levels of a chemical associated with unhealthy diets which has been linked to heart disease.

Our study will determine whether this chemical is a cause for concern with those who eat a diet high in fish, or whether fish should be considered a healthy alternative to eating meat-based diets in terms of heart disease.

We are looking for healthy, overweight volunteers, both male and female, with elevated blood lipids, sugar or blood pressure but not on medication, to take part in a dietary intervention study.

Volunteers should be aged between 30 and 65 years old, have a BMI of 25-29.9, have no history of heart disease or other inflammatory diseases, and should not be taking any medication for cholesterol or lipaemia.

We would also ask that volunteers are not taking any dietary supplements.

You will find more detailed information in the FAMOUS Study Participant Information Leaflet.

Contact us

Prof Frank Thies 
Tel: 01224 437954 

Morven Cruickshank
Tel: 01224 438708

Melanie Gulston

GendAge Study - Help us understand how age and gender affect weight loss

Stock image of bathroom scales and a tape measureAre you interested in helping us understand how age and gender affect weight loss?

We’re conducting a ground-breaking study to explore how sex hormones influence dieting outcomes in men and women as they age. If you are willing to help us advance women’s health research by participating in a six-week diet programme with all food provided, please contact the study research team for more information.

We are looking for healthy individuals who are:

  • Aged 18-40 (men only - all spaces for women now filled) or 55-65 (men and women)
  • Living with overweight or obesity (BMI 27-45 kg/m2 - we can measure this for you at the screening visit)

What is involved?

  • We will assess your body composition and energy expenditure
  • We will analyse your blood and fat tissue, as well as urine samples
  • You will be asked to consume a specially-designed weight-loss diet with all foods prepared at the Rowett Institute by dietetic staff
  • We will equip you with wearable devices to monitor your glucose and physical activity levels over the course of the study

Further information

Download the GendAge Study Participant Information Leaflet.

Contact us

gendage@abdn.ac.uk

01224 438664

Purple Foods Study - Assessing the effects of purple corn and yacon on gut microbiota composition and glucose metabolism

Purple Food Study logo shows drinks and other food stuffs and aAssessing the effects of purple corn and yacon on gut microbiota composition and glucose metabolism of healthy individuals.

Aim

The purpose of this study is to understand potential benefits of consuming foods prepared from Peruvian crops like purple corn and yacon, on gut and metabolic health.

What is involved?

You will receive the purple corn and yacon rich beverage and Control beverage (in powder form) to be consumed 3times/day for 5 days each, while wearing a portable glucose monitor for two weeks and complete food diaries.

This study will involve four short visits to the Rowett Institute to drop off samples.

You can take part in this study if:

  • You are between 18-70 years old, with BMI: 18-35 kg/m2.
  • You are healthy
  • Don’t have any food allergies
  • Consume an omnivore diet (including fish and/or meat)

Further information

You will find full details in the Purple Food Study Participant Information Sheet.

Contact us

Kim Moar
k.moar@abdn.ac.uk
01224 438709

Dr Madalina Neacsu
m.neacsu@abdn.ac.uk