Dr Victoria Burley

Nutritional Epidemiology Group, Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatics, LIGHT
University of Leeds
Leeds, UK

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/medhealth/light/cancer_research/DoE/nutritional/

Project title

The role of fruit, vegetables and associated nutrients and patterns on weight change in middle-aged women (2007/34)

Scientific abstract

Many studies have demonstrated a link between body weight and morbidity and mortality risk in women including heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. While it is well recognised that weight gain tends to occur throughout adulthood, the aetiology of this weight gain has been relatively under explored.  A high fruit and vegetable intake may theoretically reduce energy intake and prevent weight gain through effects on energy density and the elevation of non-starch polysaccharide intakes.  However, relatively few analyses of prospective studies have been conducted to confirm this.

Research on diet in relation to risk of disease has largely focused on the effects of single nutrients or foods.  However, people eat combinations of foods and nutrients.  These dietary patterns may be more helpful than studying individual nutrients or food groups when explaining obesity risk.  This study will assess the effect of fruit and vegetable intakes, associated nutrients and a number of common dietary patterns on weight gain in middle-aged women.  Patterns of behaviour associated with high intakes of fruit and vegetables, such as higher fibre intakes and lower meat consumption will also be assessed and the effects of these confounding variables will be explored in detail.

This investigation will be conducted using data from the UK Women's Cohort Study.  This cohort includes 14,030 middle-aged women who have reported body weight and waist and hip dimensions at study baseline and at follow-up after 5 years.  Recommendations will be made for obesity prevention through fruit and vegetable intakes and particular dietary patterns.

Project plain language abstract

The past few decades have been characterised by major changes in lifestyle, leading to steady increases in average body weight and measures of obesity within many countries.  Within Europe, recent estimates suggest that about half of all men and a third of all women may be classified as either overweight or obese and similar data for the US indicate an even higher prevalence.  Being overweight or obese is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but population studies are also providing growing evidence for a link between body weight and cancer risk. In particular, previous studies have suggested that in women, weight gain during and after the menopause is most strongly linked with the risk of developing cancer. An understanding of the factors that are associated with weight gain at this time will guide the development of dietary and lifestyle advice aimed at prevention. By using data from more 14,000 women who have been followed up over 5 years, this study aims to determine whether certain dietary patterns influence weight change in middle-aged UK women.  The specific focus is to address whether a high intake of fruit and vegetables is linked with lower weight gain or greater weight stability in these women.

Qualifications

Institution and location	Degree	Year	Scientific Field
University of Bristol, UK	BSc Hons 2:1	1981	Zoology
University of London, UK	MSc with distinction	1983	Nutrition
University of London, King’s College, UK	PhD	1989	Nutrition

Previous employment

2004–Present	Principal Research Fellow, University of Leeds, UK
1999-2004	Senior Research Fellow, University of Leeds, UK
1994-2002	Independent Nutrition Consultant
1989-1994	Research Fellow, University of Leeds, Dept. Psychology, UK
1988	Research Assistant, University of London, King’s College, UK
1983-1984	Research Assistant, University of Oxford, UK

Research interests

Nutrition and chronic disease development; public health nutrition; factors affecting appetite control and energy intake; dietary assessment methodology