Dr Adam Collins

Biography

1996- BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Biochemistry (North London University)

1998 - MSc Nutrition & Metabolism (University of Aberdeen)

2003 - PhD in Nutritional Assessment (North London University)

I joined the University of Surrey part-time in 2006 having spent 4 years teaching at the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London, teaching all aspects of Nutrition, Biochemistry, Physiology and Exercise physiology.

In 2005, I started a private nutrition consultancy (Nutriffic^TM) undertaking one-to-one nutritional consultations, as well as commissioned lectures and workshops, including nutrition consultancy for Hull FC. In 2006 I was employed as  nutrition consultant for a commercial weight management company (Eurodiet^TM) until 2007, and continue to develop external links and collaborations whilst fulfilling a full time tutor role

Research Interests

Body Composition / Nutritional Assessment 

Previous work has focussed on the validation of Air Displacement Plethysmography (the BODPOD), for the assessment of body composition in a range of individuals. This has also extended into the nutritional assessment of different groups, from professional dancers, professional footballers, the obese and work with the London Fire Brigade.  Recent work has included the use of a 3D whole body scanner as a nutritional assessment tool, in collaboration with the London College of Fashion.

I am currently collaborating with Professor Jimmy Bell and the team at the MRC imaging Unit, Imperial College, validating a new bioimpedance method of measuring abdominal adipose tissue compartments (ViScan) against MRI.  In addition to ongoing research into the assessment of visceral adiposity in lean and obese individuals and identifying those individuals who may be classed as TOFI (thin on the outside, fat on the inside)

Sports Nutrition

Previous research has involved nutritional assessment of professional football players and other athletes. I have also been involved in studies looking at the effects of marathon training on bone density.   I currently hope to build research interests in sports nutrition here at Surrey University in collaboration with the new Surrey Sports Park.  In particular with reagrd to fitness assessment and the effects of nutrition intervention on training and performance

Obesity/Weight loss

Other areas of interest include the measurement of body composition, metabolic rate and energy expenditure, particularly in relation to obesity and weight loss.  I am particularly keen to build facilities and collaborations to evaluate exercise and  nutrition interventions for weight loss on body composition and functional capacity (fitness)

Research Collaborations

Professor Jimmy Bell, Imperial College London (MRI imaging)

John McCarthy, University of Bedford (Exercise Physiology)

Publications

Thomas EL, Collins AL, McCarthy J, Fitzpatrick J, Durighel G, Goldstone A, Bell J (2009): Estimation of abdominal fat compartments by bioelectrical impedance: a comparison of the ViScan with MRI.  SUBMITTED

Drysdale IP, Collins AL, Walters NJ, Hinkley HJ, Bird D, (2007): Potential influence of marathon training on Calcaneal Bone Ultrasound Attenuation (BUA): J Clin. Densitometry. 10; 179-183

Collins AL, Saunders S, McCarthy HD, Williams JE, Fuller NJ (2003): Within- and between-laboratory variability in air displacement plethysmography. Int J Obes. 28; 80-90

Collins AL & McCarthy HD (2003): Evaluation of factors determining the precision of body composition measurements by air displacement plethysmography.Eur J Clin Nutr. 57; 770-776

Collins AL & McCarthy HD (2002): Body composition and resting energy expenditure in a small group of young professional footballers. Proc Nutr Soc. 61; 54A

Collins AL, Reid DM, Miller H, McNeill G, Durham B, (2001): A comparison of bone mineral density and body composition between anorexics, bulimics and healthy controls. Proc Nutr Soc. 60; 132A

Collins AL & McCarthy HD (2001): Accuracy, reliability and linearity of air displacement plethysmography in body composition research. Proc Nutr Soc. 60; 132A

Collins AL & McCarthy HD (2001): Factors influencing body composition measurement using air displacement plethysmography: is body surface area an issue? Proc Nutr Soc. 60; 195

Teaching

Module Organiser

BMS1015 - Practical Nutrition Skills

BMS1016 - Applied Nutrition

BMS2013 - Nutrition in Health and Disease

BMS3017 - Practical Nutrition

UG Teaching

BMS1004 - Practical Nutrition & Biochemistry

BMS1005 - Physiology

BMS1012 - Nutrition - Macronutrients

BMS2002 - Physiology 2

BMS3014 - Regulation and Disorders of Lipid & Energy Metabolism

BMS3033 - Sports Nutrition

MSc Nutritional Medicine

Sports Nutrition

Energy balance

Departmental Duties

I also frequently visit Nutrition and Nutrition/Food Science students whilst on industrial placement as part of PTY as well as Dietetic students on clinical placement.
Typically supervise 6 students dissertations a year, on a variety of nutrition topics