Obesity Research and Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is the most common known genetic cause of severe obesity, occurring in a frequency of 1 in 25,000. Subjects with PWS suffer from insatiable appetite, hyperphagia and severe overweight leading to the development of cardiovascular complications and increased mortality. Our studies are conducted in collaboration with the specialised Prader-Willi Clinic at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. Our research focuses on body composition, metabolism, appetite regulation and dysregulation of the autonomous nervous system. We are also testing the recently available drug Byetta® (Eli Lilly) in PWS looking into its effects on appetite and hormonal regulation.

The study involves visiting the clinical research facility at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research on:

• Two almost identical visits where we serve a standardized western-style high carbohydrate / high-fat breakfast and measure various markers in blood during the 4 hours after the meal.

Travel costs (to cover transportation to and from Garvan) and lunch are included.

If you are interested please phone Ms Patricia Humphreys on (02) 9295 8257 OR Dr Alex Viardot on (02) or 9295 8313 / 0405457732

The study been approved by the St Vincent’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref no: H06/130 and H07/45).