Funded PhD: Individuals with chronic dieting syndrome

Project supervisors

Project in detail: Investigation of the effects of energy balance dysregulation and habitual low energy availability on the physical and mental health of individuals with chronic dieting syndrome. 

In humans, energy  balance is primarily  regulated  by body composition, muscle tissue  and energy  expenditure  at rest and during  daily activities. Specifically, the drive to eat is controlled by  energy expenditure, satiety and hunger signalling, allowing the human body to balance its energy needs, particularly at times of energy restraint or excessive energy expenditure (Blundell et al., 2017).

However, in Western societies, body image  issues and weight loss pre-occupation have led to a high prevalence of chronic dieting, cognitive energy restraint (CER) and habitual low energy intake  and a  mismatch between  physiological needs, hunger and satiety signals,  significantly affecting weight regulation, obesity and its comorbidities (Fagerberg et al., 2018,  Areta  et al., 2021, Mountjoy et al., 2018). 

Chronic dieting and CER appear to be more prevalent in females, with adverse metabolic and hormonal effects leading to menstrual disturbances and osteoporosis (Lowe and Levine, 2005; Polivy and Herman, 2017; Van Loan and Keim, 2000). Moreover, CER increases the risk for clinical eating disorders, body dysmorphia and compulsive exercise, significantly affecting mental health and well-being (Poppis, 2018; Watson and Le Pelley, 2021).

The purpose of this project is to investigate a) the effects of chronic dieting and CER on energy balance regulation, the drive to eat and physical and mental health, b) the effects of a nutritional intervention with and without a behaviour change program on the aforementioned parameters. The impact goal of this studentship is to provide opportunities for a student to network, train and experience research, and develop intellectually a new, original research area with significant impact on human health and wellbeing.

A mixed-methods quantitative and qualitative design will be used through a series of original, novel research studies on normal weight, overweight and obese female and male chronic dieters.

This project will comprise:

A. An acute observation study which will assess the effects of chronic dieting on the following parameters: body composition, metabolic biomarkers, stress and appetite-regulating hormones, eating behaviour and mental health.

B. An intervention study which will investigate and compare the effects of three, 12-week interventions: a) an eating behaviour change program (EB), b) a progressive, energy surplus dietary intervention to establish energy balance (DI) and c) a combination of EB and DI on body composition, energy expenditure and metabolic, hormonal biomarkers.

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a Master’s degree, in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university. 

Applicants are also required to submit a response to the project call of up to 500 words. 

Eligibility criteria 

Due to the post’s funding it is only open to home applicants as defined by the  Fees Regulations.

English language entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must have successfully completed a Secure English language Test (SELT) in the last two years. Applicants who have obtained or are studying for a UK degree may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.

English language IELTS requirements are 7.0 overall, 7 for writing and none below 6.5.

We accept a number of English language qualifications including IELTS. Please contact us if you have any queries arising from this. Further details can be found here:  

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Funding

Contact us to find out more

Guide to making your application

We will only consider complete applications - the application is complete once you have uploaded all of the following:  

• Your 500-word research statement and response to the project.  
• Copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts.  
• Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable).  
• Copy of your passport.  
• Two references uploaded or requested - one must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study. Both must have been written within the last year. 

To submit your application please follow these steps:  

1. Click the 'apply online now' button, on the right.  
2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.  
3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.  
4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.  
5. Select mode of study 'full-time'.  
6. Select 'Doctoral College'.  
7. Select ‘Individuals with chronic dieting syndrome’
8. Click 'apply'.  

You will now be able to complete the online application form.