º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ researchers to explore how best to talk with adolescents about eating and body weight

University researchers are set to explore how we talk about eating and body weight with adolescents – a project that includes two public talks in º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ town centre.

The team, based in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, will hold opening talks on Saturday 12 August at various locations in the town.  

Led by Dr Florence Sheen, the public engagement activity will help shape the project. The team plans to investigate how we can better communicate with adolescents about eating and body weight to support and empower individuals.

Parents of adolescents aged 10-15-years-old will also have the opportunity to sign up to be part of a Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) steering group relating to the research.

Florence explained: “Adolescence is a key developmental period with huge potential for change and opportunity for improving and promoting life-long health. However, it is also a time when certain wellbeing issues can develop.

“Messages that adolescents receive from various sources in their external environment (e.g., social media) about eating and body weight may contribute to unintended outcomes.

“I plan to investigate how best to talk with adolescents about eating and body weight to be most supportive of individual changes, health and wellbeing during this time and into adulthood. Importantly, this research will be conducted with adolescents, for adolescents.”

The talks will take place on the same day at the following locations: 

  • 10:30 - 11:30 (Saturday 12 August 2023)
    Career & Enterprise Hub 
    15 Market Pl 
    º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ 
    LE11 3EA  
  • 14:00 - 15:00 (Saturday 12 August 2023)
    John Storer House
    Ward's End
    º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ 

For more information on the research, email ssehs.ppie@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk