My expertise is the effects of exercise, environmental and nutritional interventions on appetite, energy balance and weight loss to support the prevention and treatment of overweight, obesity and associated comorbidities. I have a wealth of experience of measuring physical activity and body mass related outcomes quantitatively and qualitatively and would consider myself a mixed-methods researcher.
Recent work includes the effects of exercise interventions for adults living with overweight and obesity, women living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) as well as exploring the influence of cold-water immersion on energy intake. I have published high quality and impactful works in these areas.
Having formerly worked in health promotion, I have been involved in the co-design, development, implementation, monitoring and realist evaluation of physical activity and weight loss interventions using whole-systems approaches. I am frequently approached to tender for industry related bids in these areas.
My total funding portfolio as PI and Co-I is >£5m. Funding has been from Active Partnerships, Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Authorities, the Midlands Engine and Sport England. I have recently won a UKRI Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnership examining how movement opportunities can help people living with addictions and will be applying for a full KTP on completion.
I am editor in chief for the journal 'Sport Sciences for Health' and have reviewed for over 40 different physical activity and health related journals.
Recent notable achievements includes:
- Appointed to the Welsh Physical Activity Surveillance Expert Working Group in 2025
- Appointed as CEP-UK scientific programme chair for the 2024 and 2025 conferences. I am currently serving on the 2026 committee.
- Invited symposium lead at BASES 2023 annual conference showcasing own research on home-based exercise.
- Invited to submit evidence to multiple Parliamentary Select Committees. This has included the House of Commons DCMS select committee on a national plan for sport and recreation.
- Research featured in the media which recently includes ‘BBC Radio’, ‘The Independent’, ‘Men’s Health’ and ‘Daily Mail’.
I am a very experienced doctoral supervisor and am always willing to take on high quality students so please do not hesitate to contact me.
