The study will be conducted over a 12 month period and is expected to give researchers a wider insight into the types of eating behaviours most likely to lead to snacking, overeating and weight gain.

The Department is currently looking for 30 plus-size volunteers (those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25) to keep food diaries over a five day period recording their reasons for eating as well as logging other details such as their mood and hunger levels.

Volunteers will also be asked to return to the lab a year later to be weighed.

Louise Cleobury, who is running the study as part of her doctoral thesis, said: “Research suggests there are a number of psychological as well as physiological factors associated with snacking, overeating and subsequent weight gain. 

“Apart from typical reasons such as hunger or habit, this particular research seeks to identify those psychological reasons which can lead to overindulgence. We are also hoping that the findings can be used in the development of effective interventions aimed at reducing these behaviours.”

She added: “The majority of people who have participated in the past, find keeping the diary quite insightful. Respondents are also given a ‘personal eating profile’ using the information provided and they will stand a chance to win £100 worth of high street vouchers.”

If you are interested in taking part or would like further information, please contact Louise on 01792 602282 or via email on 177350@swan.ac.uk.  Further details of the project can be found here.