INTERCEPT-C: weight loss and colorectal cancer risk

Background and study aims
Obesity is a significant health concern and is associated with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. However, less is known about how obesity and cancer are linked, and there is little evidence that standard dietary methods of weight loss reduce cancer risk. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of diet-induced weight loss on biomarkers for colorectal cancer risk.
Who can participate?
Men and women, aged 18-60, non-smokers, fluent in English, with body mass index BMI ≥30
What does the study involve?
Participants attend weekly sessions with a Psychologist/Dietitian at University College London where they receive a complete meal replacement plan and support. Participants are asked to have a flexible sigmoidoscopy (a procedure used to see inside the sigmoid colon and rectum) to obtain colon tissue samples from their colon at baseline and follow-up (8 weeks). At the start of the study and after 8 weeks, participants complete a questionnaire on psychological wellbeing and eating habits, have a blood test, and have their body measurements taken (height, weight, body fat, waist and hip circumference).