A HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM INCORPORATING FISH FOR WITHDRAWAL OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS IN OVERWEIGHT, HYPERTENSIVES
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$616,996.00
Summary
Obesity is the major lifestyle factor predisposing to high blood pressure and abnormal blood fat levels. Weight reduction and omega-3 fatty acids from fish meals and fish oils have been shown independently to reduce blood pressure and improve blood fats in subjects with high blood pressure. We have previously shown that in treated hypertensive patients on a daily fish meal as part of a weight-reducing regimen, substantial blood pressure reduction was achieved over a 4 month period. We now aim to ....Obesity is the major lifestyle factor predisposing to high blood pressure and abnormal blood fat levels. Weight reduction and omega-3 fatty acids from fish meals and fish oils have been shown independently to reduce blood pressure and improve blood fats in subjects with high blood pressure. We have previously shown that in treated hypertensive patients on a daily fish meal as part of a weight-reducing regimen, substantial blood pressure reduction was achieved over a 4 month period. We now aim to assess in overweight, men and women, who are taking medication for high blood pressure, the effects of a health promotion program which focuses on improved dietary education and includes increased dietary omega-3 fatty acids from fish. The program will also incorporate increased physical activity, quitting smoking and moderation of alcohol consumption. The primary aim is to reduce blood pressure and enable antihypertensive therapy to be withdrawn. It is proposed the program improve blood fats, blood glucose and insulin, and components of the clotting system. The results should have important implications for public health given the high prevalence of hypertensive cardiovascular disease. 190 men and women, 40-70 years, who are receiving treatment for high blood pressure, will be recruited from the general community. Patients will be randomly allocated to either: 1) continue their usual diet and usual care, or 2) commence a health promotion program which includes information on improved dietary habits, increased physical activity, moderation in alcohol consumption, as well as quitting smoking. These subjects will be given an individual dietary program to reduce caloric intake and they will also be asked to include fish meals as part of their diet on at least 4 days of the week. Subjects in the usual care group (control group) will be provided with literature from the National Heart Foundation and will be offered weight control counselling at the end of the study.Read moreRead less
Identifying Why Some People Consume Excess Dietary Fat. A Twin Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$365,462.00
Summary
Obesity is a significant public health problem, yet some individuals are less susceptible to the development of obesity. High fat eating patterns are commonly associated with overweight/obesity. The taste system is the gatekeeper of digestion and the sense of taste responds to fat, and that the fat taste response is associated with obesity. Using twins as subjects to disentangle the influences of 'nature and nuture', in this project we will identify the mechanisms responsible for linking fat tas ....Obesity is a significant public health problem, yet some individuals are less susceptible to the development of obesity. High fat eating patterns are commonly associated with overweight/obesity. The taste system is the gatekeeper of digestion and the sense of taste responds to fat, and that the fat taste response is associated with obesity. Using twins as subjects to disentangle the influences of 'nature and nuture', in this project we will identify the mechanisms responsible for linking fat taste response to development of obesity.Read moreRead less
Removing the impediment to large-scale selective breeding of Australian barramundi: deciphering and manipulating the genetic basis of sex change. This project will determine the genetic basis of sex control in barramundi and develop technologies to allow barramundi hatcheries to have increased control over reproduction leading to more efficient propagation and removing impediments to selective breeding.
Striking Gold - Determining the genetics of gold skin colour in barramundi. Barramundi is one of Australia’s finest eating table fish and the species is gaining global prominence. However, fillet flesh colour of Australian farmed barramundi exhibit greyish tones which lowers consumer acceptance compared to other white flesh fish and imported product. Barramundi with rare golden skin tones do not exhibit this flesh "greyness" and are therefore a valuable niche product to farm if they can be produ ....Striking Gold - Determining the genetics of gold skin colour in barramundi. Barramundi is one of Australia’s finest eating table fish and the species is gaining global prominence. However, fillet flesh colour of Australian farmed barramundi exhibit greyish tones which lowers consumer acceptance compared to other white flesh fish and imported product. Barramundi with rare golden skin tones do not exhibit this flesh "greyness" and are therefore a valuable niche product to farm if they can be produced in larger numbers. This project will elucidate the genetic basis and mechanism of expression behind the golden barramundi phenotype. In doing so, it will enable barramundi farmers to produce them at commercially relevant scales, providing them with a substantial competitive advantage in both domestic and global markets.Read moreRead less
Should You Be Eating That? Food-derived Bacteria And Their Role In Treating Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,405,182.00
Summary
The clinical application of medicines based on the microbes that exist as part of microbiomes is now a reality. Despite these rapid advances understanding how the bacteria are transmitted and recolonise after disruption is essential. Our preliminary data suggests that the average Australian adult consumes over 10 million bacteria per day in their diet. This project seeks to understand these relationships and how they can be exploited to develop the next generations of microbiome based medicine.
Efficacy And Cost Effectiveness Of Varying Levels Of Technology-delivered Personalised Feedback On Dietary Patterns In Motivating Young Australian Adults To Improve Diet Quality And Eating Habits: The Advice, Ideas And Motivation For My Eating Study
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$592,756.00
Summary
This project will test efficacy and cost-effectiveness of technology based tools in helping young adults to improve their dietary patterns and nutrition related health. Major challenges faced by young adults include lack of access to personalised information and advice about usual dietary intakes, being effectively engaged and cost. The project results will be translated and scaled up strategically by working in partnership with the Young and Well CRC and key organisations.