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EXPLORING FOOD INSECURITY WITHIN KENT STATE UNIVERSITY'S MULTI-CAMPUS COMMUNITY

Lead PI: Dr. Jennifer King (Public Health)

Project Description: The project aims to present the current landscape of the prevalence of basic needs insecurity and the resources available across the 91²Ö¿â system. We will use a mixed-methods approach to 1) analyze the prevalence of food insecurity, including the strength of its association with student characteristics and the use of resources to alleviate its impact (i.e., food pantry), 2) map and evaluate on-campus food assistance resources at each KSU campus, and 3) engage with students to gain deeper understanding of the barriers that discourage and prevent their use of these resources. The findings from this pilot study will inform the development and implementation of policies to address food security as a critical basic need for the wellness and academic success of Flashes.  

IMPACT OF A 12-WEEK RESISTANCE TRAINING PROGRAM IN INDIVIDUALS TAKING SEMAGLUTIDE

Lead PI: Dr. Meghan Magee (School of Health Sciences)

Project Description: Nearly 40% of adults are overweight worldwide. It is estimated obesity-related medical costs could rise to $48-$66 billion a year in the US. Obesity has been associated with conditions such as hypertension, type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, depression, and cancer. To combat obesity, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors (GLP1-R) have garnered increased interest due to their efficacy in reducing body weight and aforementioned comorbidities. However, limited data exists regarding the impact of such drugs on body composition, bone health, and resting metabolic rate. Further, previous investigations have not implemented resistance training exercise programs to mitigate the loss of fat free mass and bone health. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of a 12-week resistance training program in individuals taking semaglutide, a GLP1 receptor. 20 men and women taking semaglutide will be recruited to participate in this study. 10 will randomly be assigned to the training group and the remaining 10 will be assigned to the control group. Prior to the start of the resistance training program and after completion of the 12-week program, participants will undergo a resting metabolic rate assessment and a body composition assessment via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to obtain fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral density. During the 12-week training program, participants will arrive to the laboratory two times per week and undergo a total body workout with the aim of increasing muscle hypertrophy and strength. Data will be analyzed through a group by time (2x2) analysis of variance (ANOVA). When appropriate, a Bonferroni correction will be used to identify where significance lies. Alpha will be set to p<0.05.