Physiological regulation of energy intake at meals following weight loss - Project Summary/Abstract Obesity is an urgent global epidemic demanding attention. A formidable obstacle in tackling obesity is the tendency of weight losers to rebound. While multiple factors contribute to weight regain, we hypothesize that heightened energy intake during meal events emerges as a primary driver of positive energy balance. Understanding the regulation of meal energy intake is imperative in addressing this critical issue. This mentored F32 proposal aims to investigate the physiological regulation of energy intake at meals following weight loss. This research will involve analyzing energy balance and gut hormone data from the ARROW study (R01DK114272), which aims to identify predictors of long-term weight loss maintenance in subjects who lose weight through dieting with or without exercise compared to a control group with obesity. Additionally, participants from the Time2Eat study (R01DK132372) will be leveraged to investigate gut hormones, metabolites, and subjective measures of appetite before and after breakfast and dinner test meals in subjects engaging in early time-restricted eating versus late time-restricted eating. Dr. Ezpeleta's background in intermittent fasting and experience in analyzing energy balance physiology in his current T32 program uniquely positions him to investigate these factors. Dr. Ezpeleta has assembled a team of mentors who have developed a comprehensive training plan for his success. The plan includes developing expertise in energy balance, gut hormones, and measures of appetite, designing and conducting clinical trials to analyze appetite in various weight statuses and conditions, gaining proficiency in using quantitative questionnaires to assess eating behaviors, psychosocial measures, appetite, and other ingestive behaviors, and enhancing his proficiency in clinical research methods while receiving additional training in manuscript development, grant applications, and presenting research findings. The research and training will take place at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU- AMC), which offers state-of-the-art resources, career development opportunities, and pilot grant funding. Successful completion of this proposal will lead to five first-authored publications and generate thrilling preliminary data to support a K-award application. In summary, this F32 proposal will expand Dr. Ezpeleta's expertise in energy balance and appetite factors, contribute profoundly to the understanding of physiological regulations behind meal energy intake, and assist in establishing Dr. Ezpeleta as an independent investigator.
