Obesity, Diabetes, Nutrition
Obesity and associated co‐morbidities such as diabetes are increasing in prevalence in humans as well as in domestic animals. To develop effective treatment strategies for these disorders, it is important to understand the mechanisms regulating body weight and metabolism. My research program is on obesity and diabetes with a focus on understanding the mechanisms by which peripheral signals from the gut, and other tissues, act to regulate energy balance and metabolism. We primarily use rodent models to gain insights into the mechanisms by which dietary, pharmacological and surgical interventions promote weight loss and improve metabolic health using a range of physiological (food intake, energy expenditure, body composition, glucose tolerance) and molecular (qPCR, immunoblotting, immunoassay) techniques. Knowledge gained from this research is expected to guide the development of more effective strategies for treating obesity and associated co-morbidities. Current research areas include: 1) Investigating the mechanisms of food intake and body weight regulation by gut hormones, 2) Understanding the mechanisms by which dietary protein regulates energy balance and metabolism, and 3) Delineating the mechanisms of weight loss and metabolic improvements following bariatric surgeries.