Big Brother star weighs in with research project

The moment of truth will arrive today as a former reality TV star mounts the scales as part of a research project.

After a nine-week study at the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen, former Big Brother winner Cameron Stout will find out how many pounds have fallen off over the course of the institute’s weight-loss scheme.

The study aims to find new insights into how Atkins-type diets, which promote high protein, low carbohydrate intake, actually work.

An estimated three million people have tried the diets, but there is still no scientifically-proven reason why such regimes should work.

Research leader Dr Alex Johnstone, a weight loss expert based at the institute, will explain the purpose of the study and why it will be continuing for several months.

The study involved men aged 20-55 who lived within the Human Nutrition Unit of the institute for nine weeks, but who were able to attend work.

Throughout that time, researchers conducting the study provided all the volunteers’ food for eight weeks and monitored their general health.

Cameron, a self-confessed junk food fan, wanted to lose weight for a panto role.

Before he signed up for the scheme he said: “I want to be Prince Charming, not Prince Chubby.”