Prevalence rates indicate that almost two-thirds of the U.S. population is overweight or obese, which increases the risk of developing life-threatening or chronic diseases. Few individuals are successful at losing weight, and even less are able to maintain weight loss for an extended period of time. I am greatly concerned about the unhealthy behaviors and co-morbid health issues associated with overweight/obesity.
Therefore, my research efforts focus on:
1) Trying to understand factors that contribute to excess weight (low distress tolerance, dysfunctional
eating patterns, poor sleep, stress)
2) Ways to help people lose weight and keep it off (e.g., diet and activity change interventions)
3) Consequences of overweight and obesity (e.g., poor health-related quality of life, chronic diseases).
My other areas of interest include:
1) Vaccine refusal
2) Public health prevention and interventions
I conduct quantitative and qualitative studies. I mentor undergraduate and graduate students in psychology as well as medical students.