EBL - Whey Project
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Energy Balance Laboratory
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Brain Imaging Project

Thank you for your interest in the Weight Loss and Brain Function research program! Please take a few minutes to look over the details of the study.

Recruitment Flyer

DETAILS:

The Weight Control Research Project has been delivering in-house weight management clinics for 20 years. Traditionally, participants of the program meet weekly at one of our offices in either Lawrence or Kansas City to learn tools used to lose weight and maintain that weight loss. Hoglund Brain Imaging Center (Web Site) is a state of the art research facility on the KU Medical Center campus, specializing in Magnetic Resonance and Magnetoencephalography of the brain. This study uses MRI to look at how people’s brains respond to images of food before and after weight loss. Those who are eligible will have two MRI scanning sessions, one at baseline, and after 12 weeks of weight loss. Participants will be required to consume pre-packaged meals accompanied by fruits and vegetables throughout the weight loss phase (first 3 months). This diet will consist of 3 shakes, 2 entrees, and 5 one-cup servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Additionally, participants will be required to meet minimum exercise goals throughout the study. This study will be conducted over 9 months. Meetings will occur weekly for the first 3 months, twice monthly for the next 3 months, and monthly for the final 3 months of weight management. Additionally, all meetings will take place in the Kansas City metro area.

Additional MRI Information

COMPENSATION:

All participants will receive pre-packaged meals for free during the weight loss period. This should represent a savings in groceries throughout the weight loss period. Additionally, health assessments will be completed at four time points during the study at no cost. Participants will also receive compensation for completion of the MRI scanning sessions.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

You must be 21 to 55 years of age and have a BMI of 30 to 39.9 kg/m2 determined during the official screening conducted by our staff. You must obtain clearance from your primary care physician via a letter that explains the program and will be returned to your health educator at the first informational meeting. All interested persons must be willing to undergo the MRI scans and have access to reliable transportation throughout the study. It is also required that participants reside in the Kansas City area for the duration of the study.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT:

  1. Complete the eligibility form (please make sure to answer all questions completely).
    Click here for the Initial Eligibility Questionaire

    2. For more information, visit these links: BMI Calculator, Center for Disease Control and Prevention

  2. After completing the form, someone from the Weight Control Research Project will contact you regarding your eligibility status.

  3. If you are eligible, you will be asked to attend an informational meeting where you will be given further information. If you choose to participate in the program, you will then attend an official health screening session. You are not guaranteed a spot in the study until you have been officially screened, have met all inclusion criteria, and have been determined to be eligible.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Please feel free to contact:
Lori Fowler wcrp@ku.edu, (785) 864-1685, (866) 962-9288 toll free
or Tony Lynch alynch@ku.edu, (785) 864-0782
if you have any additional questions.