Diet study seeks overweight men

The scanner will monitor the brain's appetite controlling areas

Researchers are looking for volunteers to take part in a study into how the brain reacts to different diets.

Aberdeen's Rowett Institute has carried out a study which suggested that a high protein, low carbohydrate diet could suppress the appetite more effectively.

They now want to use the latest brain scanning technology at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to monitor how the brain responds to the Atkins-style diet.

The residential nine-week trial needs eight overweight men, all aged over 50.

The PET scanner, which is only available in Aberdeen, will monitor the appetite controlling parts of the brain.

More than three million Britons are thought to have tried a version of the low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet.

The diet has been criticised by some dieticians, who believe it may be unsafe.

However, the Atkins Foundation has insisted that it is healthy, provided the instructions are followed properly.