Exploration of the Mental Health Benefits of a Multidisciplinary, Community-Based, Weight loss Intervention in Comorbid Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (OBDM)

Summary

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represent some of the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time. Obesity has been declared as a global epidemic by the World Health Organisation affecting health, quality of life and mortality and is influenced by complex biological, environmental, behavioural, sociocultural, and economic factors (1). In 2021 there were 529 million people living with diabetes worldwide, with T2DM accounting for 96% of cases and 52·2% of associated disability-adjusted life years attributable to high body mass index (2).

Amongst the subpopulations of people living with obesity, individuals with comorbid obesity and T2DM (OBDM) experience higher rates of diabetes- and obesity-associated complications and significantly increased healthcare costs (3). OBDM has also been shown to significantly impact upon activities of daily living and perceived health and results in significantly increased mortality in middle age (4).

Mental health conditions are also associated with T2DM and obesity and are linked with poor disease management. Complications and T2DM care costs increase by 45% in individuals with poor mental health compared to those with T2DM and no mental health problems (5). GLP-1-based pharmacotherapy has emerged for the treatment of both obesity and T2DM (6), but current pathways for access and OBDM management are suboptimal.

The proposed study is part of the PEACETIME project which will investigate the impact of a multidisciplinary, primary- and community-focused study including nutritional, psychological, physical activity, pharmacological and health coaching weight loss interventions in individuals with OBDM.

This study will:
1. Evaluate change from baseline in depression/anxiety in individuals receiving pharmacotherapy.

2. Utilise existing biomarkers associated with response to pharmacotherapy to determine utility in targeting pharmacotherapy for future interventions.

3. Examine baseline and follow-up records of individuals in receipt of the intervention to determine the effectiveness in reducing the risk of metabolic sequalae and examine healthcare usage.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Medicine, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.