Personal Statement
I studied psychology at the University of Leeds, gaining my degree in 1991 and my PhD in 1995, and worked as a researcher until 1996, when I took up a position in the Department of Nutrition at Penn State University.

I joined the Psychology Department at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in 1997 as a lecturer in Health and Neuroscience, and the School of Psychology, University of Liverpool in 1999 as a lecturer in Appetite and Obesity.

I spent 21 years in Liverpool with a working sabbatical at the Obesity Research Center, Columbia University, St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, New York in 2006.

In 2010, I became head of Experimental Psychology at the University of Liverpool, and in 2013, I became head of Psychological Sciences and Deputy Head of the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society. I received my Chair at the University of Liverpool in 2011.

In 2015, I was appointed theme lead (Behaviour, Consumption and Health) for the N8 Agrifood representing the Northern Russell Group members.

In 2020, I returned to Leeds has Head of School and served in that role until December 2024.

I am a past Chair (2010-2013) of the UK Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO) and past Treasurer (2014-2020) and President (2021-2024) of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). I am also the co-chair of the EASO Psychology, Behaviour and Mental Health Working Group and a founding board member of the ECPO – European Coalition for People Living with Obesity. I am currently also the Treasurer of The World Obesity Federation (WOF)

Research Overview
A psychologist working in Obesity Practice and Policy. My focus is on appetite and eating behaviour and weight management interventions targeting this (behavioural, nutritional, pharmaceutical and surgical - traditional or digital). Conducted mechanistic studies and weight management interventions focusing on approaches such as meal replacements, dietary fibre and protein supplementation to boost satiety (SATIN consortium), healthy snacking, and sugar replacement (current projects include the SWITCH trial and the SWEET consortium). Worked with the pharmaceutical industry on potential anti-obesity therapies and preventing drug-induced weight gain. Also studied the prescription of commercial weight management in primary care (WRAP)

Interests also in policy around food inequalities in food security in families, unhealthy food marketing to children, food labelling, and increasing access to obesity services and support. Extensive work on reducing children’s exposure to marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages through broadcast media, online and through social media influencers, which has led to collaborations with policymakers and NGOs, including WHO. I currently lead the My 1st Thousand Days project in communities in Leeds. This is a three-year project to evaluate a community-based, group-centered care model. Its primary goal is to improve health, development, and social outcomes for primary caregivers and children.

Work extensively with stakeholders, including societies, NGOs, policy makers, industry and advocacy groups to promote healthier foods and develop more effective approaches to weight management. Worked on consumer behaviour and health as theme lead in N8 Agrifood (2014-19). Our current project on sustainable food systems is iKnowFood.

Broad interests in the psychology of obesity, including links between mental and physical health, stress and coping, stigmatisation, and the experience of living with obesity. Very much enjoy working with the patient community, who have had an incredible impact on my research and teaching over the last few years.My 1st 1000 DaysSWEET EU Project