Off on a 6 month diet!

• diet
• diet, Isle of Man, study, weight loss
• Comment Here »

• Share on Twitter

I’ve joined a research study in obesity that’s running here in the Isle of Man, which involves watching what I eat for the next six months, keeping a diary, regular weighings setc. Here’s a bit of Q&A about it:

Q What is this research project?
A We are evaluating a new concept of weight reduction. This involves different types of advice for you to lose weight.

Q Who is doing it?
A Dr Emran Khan (Consultant Physician, Diabetologist and Endocrinologist with a special interest in obesity management) and his team are organising this project.

Q How do I qualify for this research?
A If you are over 18 years and obese / overweight (BMI > 28) and not currently on any tablets to lose weight, you can participate in this project. However if you are pregnant, you can not participate.

Q How do I benefit from this project?
A This project involves advice on weight reduction which will help you to lose weight. We will be giving you an education and management plan. At the end, we expect this concept may help many others.

Q What do I need to do?
A You are expected to attend a two hour group session either in the evening of a weekday, or during the weekend at Noble’s Hospital. During the 6 months study period, you will need to attend two monthly 15 minutes assessments (3 assessments altogether).

Q Does this study involve any medication (tablets)?
A No, this study only involves advice.

Q Do I need to be a diabetic patient to participate in this?
A No, we recruit both diabetic and non-diabetic obese individuals who wish to participate in this study.

Q Do I get paid?
A No, this is totally on a voluntary basis.

Q Do I have to pay?
A No, all the services we provide during the study period are free for you.

Q Do I have to provide my own transport to come to the sessions?
A Yes, we are not in a position to provide you transport.

Q How long will the study be carried out?
A We will carry out this study for 6 months and plan to start it in April 2008.

Q Can I withdraw my consent at any stage?
A Yes, you have the right to withdraw from this study at any stage.

Q If I withdraw my consent, does it affect my future treatments?
A No, withdrawing consent from this research will not affect your future treatments.

Q Will my information be held confidential?
A Yes, we will make sure that all the information held is confidential.

Q How do I know the results of the study?
A At the end of the study, we will invite you to participate in the presentation of the study outcome

Sounds interesting and the advice session was quite interesting. Off to get officially weighed tomorrow, then will keep you all posted on the results. Was thinking about this the other day, and while weight is one health problem, I don’t seem to have too many of them. I’ve never really had any surgery, needed acne treatment or really been to the doctor for anything too serious, so I suppose focusing on my weight is one way to take care of myself. I’ll also revive the weight monitor so I can chart my progress there. This could be fun

• Dated: May 20, 2008