Jason C G Halford BSc PhD C.Psychol. AFBPS

Profile

I studied psychology at the University of Leeds gaining my degree in 1991, and my PhD in 1995, and worked as a researcher until 1996 when I took up a position in the Department of Nutrition at Penn State University. 

I joined the Psychology Department at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in 1997 as a lecturer in Health and Neuroscience, and the School of Psychology, University of Liverpool in 1999 as a lecturer in Appetite and Obesity. 

I spent 21 years in Liverpool with a working sabbatical at the Obesity Research Center, Columbia University, St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, New York in 2006.

In 2010 I became head of Experimental Psychology at the University of Liverpool, and in 2013 I became head of Psychological Sciences, and Deputy Head of the Institute of Psychology, Health and Society,  I received my Chair at the University of Liverpool in 2011.

In 2015 I was appointed theme lead (Behaviour, Consumption and Health) for the N8 Agrifood representing the Northern Russell Group members. 

I am a past Chair of the UK Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO) and current Treasurer of the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO).  I am also the EASO President Elect. I am also a board member of the ECPO – European Coalition for People Living with Obesity.

ASO UK – https://www.aso.org.uk/ 

EASO – https://easo.org/

ECPO – https://eurobesity.org/ 

Responsibilities

• Head of School

Research interests

A psychologist working in Obesity Practice and Policy. My focus is on appetite and eating behaviour and weight management interventions targeting this (behavioral, nutritional, pharmaceutical and surgical - traditional or digital). Conducted mechanisitic studies and weight management interventions focusing on approaches such as meal replacements, dietary fibre and protein supplementation to boost satiety (SATIN consortium), healthy snacking, and sugar replacement (current projects include the SWITCH trial and the SWEET consortium). Worked with the pharmaceutical industry on potential antiobesity therapies and preventing drug induced weight gain. Also studied the prescription of commercial weight management in primary care (WRAP)

Interests also in policy around food inequalities in food security in families, unhealthy food marketing to children, food labelling, and increasing access to obesity services and support. Extensive work on reducing children’s exposure to marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages through broadcast media, online and through social media influencers, which has lead to collaborations with Policy makers and NGOs including WHO.

Work extensively with stakeholders, including societies, NGOs, policy makers, industry and advocacy groups to promote healthier foods and develop more effective approaches to weight management.  Worked on consumer behaviour and health as theme lead in N8 Agrifood (2014-19). Our current project on sustainable food systems is iKnowFood.

Broad interests in the psychology of obesity, including links between mental and physical health, stress and coping, stigmatization and the experience of living with obesity.  Very much enjoy working with the patient community who have had an incredible impact on my research and teaching over the last few years.

Trial and Study Sites

https://sweetproject.eu/ 

https://iknowfood.org/

https://www.mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk/research/studies/wrap/about-the-wrap-trial/

https://www.n8agrifood.ac.uk/ 

https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/289800/reporting

Qualifications

• PhD - University of Leeds
• BSc (Hons) Psychology, University of Leeds
• C.Psychol. (Health)

Professional memberships

• British Psychological Society (Associate Fellow)

Student education

First and second year tutor

Contributor level one module

Contributor level two module

<h4>Postgraduate research opportunities</h4> <p>We welcome enquiries from motivated and qualified applicants from all around the world who are interested in PhD study. Our <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk">research opportunities</a> allow you to search for projects and scholarships.</p>

Projects

<li><a href="//phd.leeds.ac.uk/project/1645-healthy-mind,-healthy-body:-biopsychosocial-interactions-between-psychological-wellbeing,-eating-behaviour-and-weight-during-the-developmental-years">Healthy mind, healthy body: Biopsychosocial interactions between psychological wellbeing, eating behaviour and weight during the developmental years</a></li>