Concord Sports Centre in Sheffield is at the centre of a new study into the causes of obesity.

More than 70 people deemed clinically obese have signed up to take part in a study which aims to discover whether genes play a part in causing obesity. The research will be conducted in partnership between the Concord centre and Sheffield Hallam University.

The study aims to provide researchers and fitness experts with a better understanding of the underlying reasons why some people struggle with leading a healthy lifestyle.

Participants are given one-to-one exercise and diet guidance and motivation over a 12-week programme by Concord's fitness specialist Dave Birds.

Much of the study will centre around the way serotonin affects the body. By eating and exercising, levels of serotonin rise giving a feeling of well-being.

The serotonin sends messages to the brain and depending on the receptors an individual possesses, this can either motivate or de-motivate a person.

Dave Birds said: "This groundbreaking project has a really interesting aim because so many people fail when trying to lose weight and get fit.

"This study will bring insight into why so we can adapt workout routines to help those with genetic resistance.

"We have had many success stories come out of Concord and it gives me great pleasure to try and help more people with the backing of Sheffield Hallam University."