UCT’s Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine (ESSM) is looking for participants to take part in new research on weight loss maintenance in women.

Aim of the study

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of Specific Working Memory Training on the possible behavioural compensatory responses to conventional weight loss.

Criteria to take part

To take part in the study you need to meet the following criteria:

• Women between the ages of 25-45
• Have lost more than 10% initial body weight within the past 2 years
• OR have a BMI <30 with no weight loss history
• Be willing to take part in a 6 week intervention training doing working memory tasks via a smartphone app
• Have no known medical conditions that require chronic medication

Testing procedures

Testing will include 3 visits to the Sports Science Institute:

1. Visit 1 (1.5 hours): Body composition, executive function & working memory tests, dietary analysis by a Dietitian, physical activity assessment via accelerometry.
2. Visit 2 (4 hours): Resting metabolic rate, blood tests to determine appetite hormone levels, high-fat meal ingestion, response to high-fat meal intake, eating behaviour questionnaires.
3. Visit 3 (1.5 hours): Brain response to food cues using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Working Memory and Control Training

Participants will undergo one of 2 programmes:

1. 6-week Working Memory Training Programme consisting of 30 minutes per day, 4 days per week.
2. Educational & Motivational Programme for weight loss management.

Post-intervention Tests

Visits 4, 5 and 6: Repeat of procedures during visits 1, 2 and 3.

Benefits of participating in this study:

Participants receive a full comprehensive report on all testing procedures and outcomes at each time point regarding your health, physical and eating behaviour to induce weight management.

Contact Us

If you are interested in taking part in the study and would like additional information, please contact:

Ms Trinity Rudner (Study Coordinator)

Cell: 083 861 0333

Email: mindthegapessm@gmail.com