I have volunteered to take part in a research project....

[QuintessentialShadows]

It is a study regards to "tummy fat". They found that a certain marine algae reduced tummy fat in animals, the want to see if this is also the case with humans. In animals it increases the metabolic rate and breaking down of sugars in the body, and in turn reduces fat stored in the tummy region. I find it interesting, but I do have some reservation.

I would not WANT to be the person given placebo! I would want it to actually WORK.

The upside is that I get some pretty thorough health checks!

Sounds interesting!!!! I tried to sign up for an allergy trial some years ago but they wouldn't have me...

Keep us posted! (or are results confidential??)

For the study to be scientifically meaningful, half of the volunteers will get placebo and the researchers can't tell you (or may not know themselves) which half you are in. But some studies have a provision that if the treatment works, then the placebo group get a free course of the real treatment after the study. You could ask about that. Or just talk to the researchers with any questions you have - it is part of their job to answer your questions.

I think one of the biggest benefit is three thorough health checks, one first, one mid way through, and one at the end. To be honest. They measure muscles vs body fat, and general health.

They obviously dont know if the marine algae will have that effect in humans, as that will be what they are trying to find out with the trial. It might be that niether arm of the trial see an effect.

Or that as anyone who is having their food intake monitored usually ends up eating less however much they're convinced they're not, there could be an effect for both arms of the trial!
Win:win!