Internship in Obesity Research (Master Student)

Obesity is a chronic relapsing disease and a major public health concern due to its high prevalence, and the possible associated physical and psychological complications (cardiometabolic, pulmonary, renal, neurodegenerative, oncological…). However, despite these alarming facts, obesity is not always recognised and managed as a chronic multifactorial relapsing disease. Stigma continually spreads, in particular the misconception that people living with obesity have a “lack of willpower” that causes obesity. This is based on the incorrect belief that the individuals having the disease of obesity can simply control their weight by eating less and moving more, regardless of the complex multifactorial character of the disease, i.e. neurophysiological, genetic, hormonal, etc.. This weight bias and stigma has been suggested as significantly harming physical and mental health in people living with obesity, as well as further aggravating the disease.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this internship is to conduct a scoping review on the health complications related to weight bias and stigma in people living with obesity.

TRAINING AND RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

Within the Department of Precision Health, the activities of the Nutrition & Health (NUTRIHEALTH) Research Group, led by Dr. Torsten Bohn, PhD, aim to investigate the relationship between nutrition and chronic diseases with a focus on cardiometabolic health and associated innovative biomarkers of disease and health such as oxidative stress, body composition, micornutrients and phytochemicals. The Student will be supervised by Dr. Hanen Samouda, PhD, Researcher and Clinical Epidemiologist working at the Nutrition & Health Research Group, specialised in Obesity and associated causes and consequences, including weight bias and stigma, as well in body composition, obesity programs development and management.

MAIN ACTIVITIES 

• To conduct a Scoping Review on weight bias and stigma and relationship to health issues in obesity;
• To write a high-level scientific review paper on the topic;
• To Interpret findings;
• To discuss results within group & other researchers; 
• To participate in project meetings & organization;
• To give presentations at local institute level;
• To join other group-based activities. 

REQUIRED PROFILE 

• Student in Medicine or Master (2) Student in Anthropology, Clinical Epidemiology, Nutritional Epidemiology, or Public Health with focus on Obesity;
• The internship must be part of the student’s university curriculum.
• Some experience in conducting scoping reviews and writing research papers.
• Good writing and speaking skills in English;
• Good organizational skills.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Students have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary & international scientific environment, benefiting from diverse exchanges with other students and scientists in and across the department.
• An environment allowing further training in a variety of health-related domains, fostering the acquisition of horizontal skills around presentation & communication skills, scientific English, statistical data evaluation, and visualization.
• A close link to clinical, statistical & data analysis teams.

Gender Equality

The LIH is an equal opportunities employer. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff. The LIH is attentive to gender representation among its leadership staff and aims to eliminate obstacles to the recruitment and promotion of female leaders and their career development.