World First Study To Investigate Novel Ways For Obese Men To Lose Weight

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia;  Men's health
Article Date: 09 Dec 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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The world's first study to investigate the causative link between testosterone, obesity and sleep apnea is being run by the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney.

Dr Peter Liu, Physician at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, said "It is already known that obesity and sleep apnea decrease testosterone levels and that low testosterone levels causes obesity and sleep apnea, creating a vicious cycle.

"The purpose of this study is to discover if testosterone therapy can break the 'vicious cycle' and help men lose weight, lose fat and thereby improve their obstructive sleep apnea.

"Obesity and sleep apnea are reaching epidemic proportions in men worldwide. Simple, safe and effective methods are urgently needed for men to lose weight, particularly because current simple methods may be more suited to women."

Testosterone is the "male hormone" which is important for maintaining masculinity, muscle strength, bone strength, sperm production and decreasing fat mass and many other factors. Testosterone is approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration. In Australia it is available as REANDRON® and is approved for the treatment of testosterone deficiency. However, testosterone is not approved for use as a treatment of obesity, and therefore its use in this study is a first.

Approximately 70 volunteers are sought for this study. Each volunteer will have a diet designed specifically for them and they will also receive advice on exercise. Volunteers will also be offered a pedometer as a motivation tool to assist in their weight loss.

Volunteers will be reimbursed for travelling and other miscellaneous costs, such as parking.

To be eligible for the study volunteers need to have symptoms of sleep apnea, be overweight, over 18 years of age, and willing to enter a weight loss program. Volunteers will need to come to the Woolcock Institute in Glebe for overnight sleep studies, so shift workers are not eligible for this study. To register an interest in volunteering for this study people should call 1800 828 717.

Lucy Williams
Public Relations Consultant
Woolcock Institute of Medical Research
PO Box M77
Missenden Road NSW 2050, Australia
http://www.woolcock.org.au