Professor Gary Frost
Nutrition
The Nutrition and Dietetic Research Group is unique in the UK as a number of the members mix a clinical role with research. The current areas of research interest are diverse and are listed below:
- The role of nutrients in the release of gut peptides
- The role of carbohydrates in human health and disease
- The effect of body composition in human health and disease
- The clinical management of obesity and diabetes
- The role of nutrition in the older person
We work in close collaboration with a number of groups at Imperial College.
Dietary Carbohydrates: Are a major focus of my work has been on the role of dietary carbohydrates on appetite regulation, insulin resistances and lipid metabolism in particular the glycaemic index as a model of the physiological effects of carbohydrates. We were the first to demonstrate the impact of low glycaemic diets on adipocyte metabolism. More recently in partnership with Professor Jimmy Bell we are using, MRI, MRS and fMRI to take an integrative physiological approach to investigating the role of dietary carbohydrates on body composition and appetite regulation. Some of this work has been presented in abstract form and demonstrates for the first time central effects of fermentable carbohydrates on appetite centres in the hypothalamus.
Obesity Management: Our work in the practical management of obesity has be sited widely including current management guidelines. More recently we have demonstrated the efficacy of an intensive weight management system based on behavioural change on long term weight loss. We have a major interest in understanding how nutrients and eating patterns effect. The group is part of Investigative Medicine which is headed by Professor Bloom. We have been part of the team that has demonstrated the importance of a number of gut petites in appetite regulation peptides in appetite regulation. We also have an on going project investigating the role of nutrients in the secretion of appetite regulating peptides and a major interest in the basic nutritional physiology involved in energy balance.
Nutrition in the Elderly and hospitalized patient: Over the last 10 years I have built up a reputation for undertaking clinical trials aimed at reducing the risk of malnutrition in this vulnerable group. Our current interests include understanding changes in appetite regulation as we age.
Clinical specialities relevant to: Endocrinology, Metabolic Medicine, Cardiology.
Further information: http://www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/people/g.frost/
Contact: Professor Gary Frost
Tel 020 8383 8037
Mobile: 07872850308
Email g.frost@imperial.ac.uk
Skype: g.frost
