Andreia Moura

Behavioural techniques to promote healthy(ier) eating among families.

I study obstacles to healthy eating within the family realm, meaning the factors that hinder mothers, fathers and children (or any other form of family structure/ dynamics) to eating healthy. I also address strategies that can be used to promote the consumption of healthy foods among families.

I’ve always studied obesity (management and prevention) and felt passionate to help families in having autonomy to change their eating habits in a healthy(ier) direction. The psychology behind eating behaviours fascinates me.

Day-to-day activities for me would normally involve months of data collection, meaning the development and application of questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. Now, I have enough data to analyse, so currently my activities involve data interpretation, literature review and writing papers/reports.

I mostly enjoy the continuous learning that the research project involves. I’m constantly learning new theories, concepts, and methods.

My colleagues are the main source of help to me. They have helped with the learning of new statistical methods, grant applications and general motivation to keep going when facing challenges.

What is the best way to help families to eat healthy(ier) without arising negative feelings (e.g., feelings of impotence, frustration, stress)? How to motivate fathers to be more engaged in healthy(ier) eating behaviours and food-related activities?

I hope my research will provide insights for policy makers to develop effective nutrition interventions at the family level, in a non-paternalizing way.

I propose research projects to be developed at the BSc and MSc levels. I have the opportunity to share the results of my research during the module I’m invited to teach (e.g., Paediatrics, Obesity Management).

Be patient. There will always be struggles along the way, no matter which path we choose. Breath in and keep going. The results are always rewarding.