Understanding Heterogeneity in the Associations of Obesity with Multiple-long Term Conditions at Loughborough University

Is the project University funded or self-funded?: University funded

Funding eligibility (please select one): Directly funded project (students worldwide)

Subject area. Please tick as many as apply: Science, Social and Health Services

Campus: Loughborough

Department – Loughborough: Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Is the project UKRI funded?: No

Is the project industry funded?: No

Closing date of advert: 6th August 2023

Start date: October 2023

Full-time/part-time availability: Full-time 3 years

Who is eligible to apply?: Both UK and International

Name of primary supervisor/CDT lead: Will Johnson

Name(s) of secondary supervisor(s) if known: Natalie Pearson, Scott Willis

Primary supervisor email address: W.O.Johnson@lboro.ac.uk

Primary supervisor telephone number: +441509228057

Link to supervisor’s online staff profile page: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/will-johnson/

Link to secondary supervisor(s) online staff profile page(s): https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/natalie-pearson/ https://www.lboro.ac.uk/schools/sport-exercise-health-sciences/people/scott-willis/

Project detail: Obesity is a major public health problem, in part because individuals with obesity often develop multiple-long term conditions (MLTCs). There is, however, considerable heterogeneity between individuals. While one person with obesity might develop a specific set of diseases or conditions (e.g., diabetes and hypertension), another person who also has obesity might not. Better understanding of the reasons underlying this heterogeneity is crucial, because such knowledge ultimately tells us which types of individuals with obesity are more likely to develop different forms of MLTCs, thereby informing prevention and management strategies.

This PhD project will use large-scale existing data, for example from the UK Biobank study of approximately 500,000 adults aged 40-70 years in 2006. The student will be supported in learning and applying epidemiological principles and statistical methods to 1) describe novel MLTC traits or profiles, 2) estimate the combined effects of weight, height, and waist circumference (rather than just BMI/obesity) on the MLTC traits/profiles, 3) investigate how the associations of obesity with the MLTC traits/profiles differ according to body composition and modifiable lifestyle behaviours (e.g., physical activity, sedentary behaviour, diet, and smoking). It is expected that the results will be written-up and published in leading journals.

This PhD is funded by the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, a partnership between the University of Leicester, Loughborough University, and the University Hospitals of the Northamptonshire NHS Group. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to capitalise on this infrastructure.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have achieved at least a 2:1 in their undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g., epidemiology, physical activity/nutrition, and health related topics) and have a good understanding of secondary data analysis, as well as a desire to become upskilled in advanced statistical analyses. A masters degree would be an advantage.

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

English language requirements:

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/international/applicants/english/).

Funding information:

The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £18,622 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at both the UK/International rate.

How to apply:

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/WJ in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

Project search terms:

biological sciences – other, cardiology, data analysis, endocrinology, epidemiology, medicine – other, nutrition, physiology, sport & exercise science – other, statistics

Email Address SSEHS: pgr-ssehs@lboro.ac.uk

Email address: W.O.Johnson@lboro.ac.uk