Brain to the Mind and Shape: Schizophrenia and Obesity

Professor Xu-Feng Huang
Scientific Director : IHMRI Metabolic Conditions Research Theme

Wednesday 8th September 2010 (12:30-1:30pm)
Lecture Theatre 20.2

A healthy mind is often connected with a healthy body but in the case of sufferers of schizophrenia who manage the disease with anti-psychotic medication, a healthier mind regularly leads to obesity. A major side effect of the key anti-psychotics used in the treatment of schizophrenia is significant weight gain. Improving the efficacy of anti-psychotic drugs to negate this side effect is a key focus of Professor Huang’s group in the Metabolic Conditions research theme at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute.

Professor Huang will cover the work of his research team on establishing the human brain’s ‘body weight set-point’: the balance of chemicals in the brain that maintain healthy weight in humans by encouraging feelings of hunger and fullness via the neuron network. He will also detail how the antipsychotics used in the treatment schizophrenia affect this critical balance and how connecting research into the two could lead to new discoveries in the management of obesity in the wider population.

With approximately 2000 new cases of schizophrenia reported in Australia every year, and around 60 per cent of Australian adults now considered overweight or obese, Professor Huang and his team have attracted strong research funding support for their investigations into schizophrenia and obesity.

Did you miss Professor Huang's Presentation? Watch the UOWTV Feature below to hear him speak on the topic.