My research interests lie in investigating how we can support people to improve their health behaviours, through the application of behavioural science. Much of my work has been in the domain of physical activity and diet, and particularly in the prevention and reduction of obesity. This is an important and highly topical area given that more than half of the UK’s adult population are now classified as being overweight or  having obesity, which has significant consequences not only for these individuals but also for society as a whole.  I currently have a particular focus on health communication around childhood overweight and obesity, and how to better support parents and health professionals to support children to reach and maintain a healthy weight while protecting their wellbeing.  

I work in partnership with many local authorities, as well as on advisory boards including the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (National Child Measurement Programme board), and the Food Standards Agency (Advisory Comittee for the Social Sciences). I take a pragmatic approach to my research, and have experience working on trials, observational, qualitative and mixed methods studies, as well as in co-creation of health interventions.  My research spans from children to older adults, and I am an active member of the University of Bath's Healthy Later Living network.