Gender differences in the health risks of obesity
Wednesday 25 March 2009
While excess weight is linked to poor health and a greater risk of disease in men and women, there are some gender differences. A research team from the University of Surrey, led by Professor Margot Umpleby and dietician Katharine Backhouse, is conducting a study which will investigate how the body handles fats in both obese men and women aged between 50-70 years. The study hopes to open an exciting new area of research that will help scientists in the development of effective treatments for obesity.
People who are obese have a high risk of developing heart disease. This is partly due to high levels of fat in their blood which is deposited in the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to the heart. Women have a lower risk of heart disease than men until after the menopause when their risk is similar to men. If women have high levels of a particular type of fat called triglyceride they are more likely to develop heart disease than men who also have high levels of this same type of fat.
This study will be measuring where fat is stored by doing a whole body scan (MRI) as well as investigating how much of the fat called triglyceride is both produced by the liver and removed from the circulation. The research will also aim to find out how much fat is being burned up for energy.
Professor Umpleby comments: “A clearer understanding of the gender differences in fat metabolism in older obese men and postmenopausal women subjects, who are at increased risk for heart disease, is urgently needed so treatment can be targeted effectively.”
The research team is currently recruiting overweight male or postmenopausal female, aged 50-70 years, without diabetes. To take part in this study please contact Katharine Backhouse, Tel: 01483 688639 or E-mail: k.backhouse@surrey.ac.uk
Media Enquiries
Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk