University of South Australia
Beverly investigates the effects of being exposed to an increased supply of nutrients before birth on the development of fat cells and of this appetite-regulating system before and after birth. Understanding the mechanisms by which obesity occurs will make it possible to identify potential strategies which will allow clinicians of the future to intervene to reduce the risk of a lifetime of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular complications in infants who are exposed to an increased nutrient supply before birth. The research is novel and innovative and explores key questions which are critical to understanding and overcoming the obesity epidemic, which represents a key issue in public health.