Can we control our appetites? - Future directions in obesity research

For immediate release
Wednesday 16 April 2003

One of the UK's leading obesity researchers, Professor Steve Bloom will be presenting his thoughts on how to control obesity to Friends and alumni of Imperial College London, at a lecture later this month.

Professor Bloom led the research team which discovered a hormone, capable of reducing appetite by up to a third. The hormone PYY3-36, is naturally occurring in the body, and is released after a meal, telling the brain the body is no longer hungry.

Professor Steve Bloom, from Imperial College London and the Hammersmith Hospital, comments: "The discovery that PYY3-36 suppresses appetite could be of huge benefit to those struggling with weight problems. With over a billion people across the world now extremely overweight, it is vital this problem is tackled."

The event will be held at Imperial's South Kensington campus, on Tuesday 29 April, where Professor Bloom will give a lecture talking about his latest research into ways to curb hunger, and about future directions in appetite control.

A discussion panel follows the lecture, with Professor Bloom joined by Normandie Keith, former supermodel and Beauty Editor at Large for You Magazine, Dr Richard Ashcroft, a medical ethics expert, and Jacqueline Boorman, sport dietician, and questions will be taken from the audience.

A wine buffet and musical performance will follow the lecture.

For information about attending, please contact Liz Gregson, Friends of Imperial College on +44 (0)20 7594 6140, or e-mail e.gregson@imperial.ac.uk

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For further information, please contact:

Tony Stephenson
Imperial College London Press Office
Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 6712
Mobile: +44 (0)7753 739 766
E-mail: at.stephenson@imperial.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

1. For members of the media wishing to attend the event, please contact Tony Stephenson.

2. 'Can I control myself' - Harnessing the Hunger Hormone will be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 29 April in the Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus.

3. Consistently rated in the top three UK university institutions, Imperial College London is a world leading science-based university whose reputation for excellence in teaching and research attracts students (10,000) and staff (5,000) of the highest international quality. Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions that enhance the quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture. Website: www.imperial.ac.uk