The McVay Weight Management lab conducts research on behavioral aspects of weight management. We are particularly interested in answering the questions of what leads individuals to initiate weight loss behaviors and how do we promote initiation and sustained engagement in weight management behaviors that are evidence-based? This focus stems from recognizing that the majority of adults with obesity do not initiate evidence-based weight loss treatments. To address this, our lab is focused on (1) developing and testing strategies that mobilize non-treatment seeking adults with obesity to enroll in empirically supported weight loss interventions and on (2) identifying or developing weight loss interventions (including preventive interventions) that are more likely to be initiated and sustained by adults with obesity. Additionally, this work includes a focus on using digital health tools to address these and other aspects of weight management.

Our team is led by Megan McVay, PhD who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Education and Behavior. She received her doctoral degree in Psychology (Clinical) from Louisiana State University and completed her clinical psychology internship and postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Click here to view her most recent CV.

Our research laboratory is located in Yon Hall North at the University of Florida campus (beside the Florida Gym and beneath the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium).

​Are you a current University of Florida student interested in working with our team as a Research Assistant? Feel free to contact Dr. McVay at megan.mcvay@ufl.edu