MSc by Research Student

Course Start: October 2018

Director of Studies: Dr Rebecca Jones
Supervisor 2: Dr Julia Fruer

Working thesis title

BREAK Study: Acute impact of breakfast consumption and omission on glycaemia, insulinaemia and subsequent exercise metabolism in adolescent girls.

Abstract

The widely-known saying ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ has prompted scientific research on the metabolic, physiological and psychological responses of breakfast consumption and breakfast omission. Recent findings evidenced the negative effect of breakfast omission on glucose (sugar) levels after lunch in adults. Elevated glucose levels after a meal represents an increased future disease risk (e.g. type 2 diabetes and heart disease). Because the metabolism of children and adolescents differs from that of adults, it is important to examine if adolescent girls may be exposed to this risk when they skip breakfast. Furthermore, there is also evidence that skipping breakfast affects evening exercise responses in adults. For the first time, we are conducting a study that examines whether consuming breakfast, as opposed to skipping breakfast, affects levels of glucose, insulin and exercise responses after lunch in girls aged 11 to 14 years. The findings are important because many adolescent girls skip breakfast and will be used to promote healthy dietary behaviours in adolescent girls to help prevent the development of future diseases.

Research Questions

• BC versus BO: is there an acute effect on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to lunch?
• BC versus BO: Is there an acute effect on exercise metabolism?
• In there an interaction of the adiposity status on the metabolic responses to BC and BO?

About Me

After completing BSc Sports Science & Personal Training at the University of Bedfordshire in July 2018, I started the MSc by Research Degree. My undergraduate research topic was based on cognitive function responses when prolonged sitting is regularly interrupted during the day. I believe that encouraging healthy behaviour choices (as interrupting prolonged sitting, having breakfast) through Research and Education is the key for a healthy and happy population.

Contact Information

M: 07521180922
E: victoria.morari@study.beds.ac.uk
LinkedIn: Victoria Morari
Facebook: Viktoria Morari