Projects per year
Personal profile
Research Interests
As a psychologist, my research focuses on theory-based behavior change interventions to improve diet and nutrition status and to prevent and treat obesity, in a variety of population groups.
I have a particular interest in the role of novel behaviour-change methods such as habit formation and peer support, and I am keen to explore dietary behaviour change across the life-course, including in preconception, pregnancy and aging populations.
Achievements
I am the Regional Lead for the Association for the Study of Obesity Northern Ireland Network. https://www.aso.org.uk/network/northern-ireland/
I’m an invited member of the Obesity Prevention Steering Group at the Dept of Health NI.
I’m an invited member of the All-Island Obesity Coalition – Safefood http://www.safefood.eu/Professional/Nutrition/All-island-Obesity-Action-Forum/Forum-membership.aspx
I'm a member of the Research Impact Sub-committee for the Division of Health Psychology, and I’m a committee member for the Division of Health Psychology in NI (British Psychological Society).
I regularly contribute to the popular press via articles and interviews (TV and radio).
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
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R3598CPH: Adaption of a habit based dietary intervention for older adults in Brazil
McKenna, G. (PI), Congdon, N. (CoI), McGowan, L. (CoI) & Woodside, J. (CoI)
04/06/2024 → …
Project: Research
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R6947CPH: Tailored dietary interventions combined with oral rehabilitation in older patients
McKenna, G. (PI), Cardwell, C. (CoI), Clarke, M. (CoI), McGowan, L. (CoI), McGuinness, B. (CoI) & Woodside, J. (CoI)
28/04/2016 → 31/08/2019
Project: Research
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AI-assisted rapid review of determinants of childhood obesity: a novel approach to evidence synthesis
Rees, R., McGowan, L., Kemp, B. J. & Bauld, L., 02 Sept 2025, In: International Journal of Obesity. 49, p. 24 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting abstract › peer-review
Open Access -
Development of a ‘systems map’ exploring the factors influencing excess weight in children 0–5 years: a Northern Ireland perspective
McGowan, L., Foster, A., Kelly, A., O'Cathain, A., Garnett, P., Burton, W., Sharif, A. M., Collinson, M., Copsey, B., Groves-Williams, D., Kamwanja, T., Martin, A., Surtees, L. & Bryant, M., 02 Sept 2025, In: International Journal of Obesity. 49, p. 13-14 2 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting abstract › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Downloads (Pure) -
Meeting Abstract: O3-05 Public perceptions of policies to address obesity and personal experiences of weight management on the Island of Ireland: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators using the COM-B Framework
Kelly, A., Spyreli, E., Woodside, J. V., O'Neill, R., Croker, H., Heinen, M. M. & McGowan, L., 02 Sept 2025, In: International Journal of Obesity. 49, Supplement 1, p. 9 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting abstract › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure) -
Preconception health indicators and deprivation: a cross-sectional study using national maternity healthcare data
Cassinelli, E. H., Kent, L., Eastwood, K.-A., Schoenaker, D. A. J. M., McKinley, M. C. & McGowan, L., 19 Jun 2025, (Early online date) In: BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Downloads (Pure) -
Preconception indicators and associations with health outcomes reported in UK routine primary care data: a systematic review
Schoenaker, D., Lovegrove, E. M., Cassinelli, E. H., Hall, J., McGranahan, M., McGowan, L., Carr, H., Alwan, N. A., Stephenson, J. & Godfrey, K. M., Feb 2025, In: British Journal of General Practice. 75, 751, p. e129-e136 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Citations (Scopus)4 Downloads (Pure)
Prizes
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Ambassador for Belfast
McGowan, L. (Recipient), 05 May 2021
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Chair of the British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology Northern Ireland
McGowan, L. (Recipient), 01 Apr 2019
Prize: Election to learned society
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Co-Chair of the UK Preconception Early and Mid-Career Researcher Network
McGowan, L. (Recipient), 01 Sept 2021
Prize: Appointment
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Co-lead for Psychology and Behavioural Science Content in C25
McGowan, L. (Recipient), 01 Sept 2020
Prize: Appointment
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Fellow of Higher Education Academy
McGowan, L. (Recipient), 03 Jul 2020
Prize: Fellowship awarded competitively
Activities
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Get Ready for Management and Leadership - QUB
McGowan, L. (Participant)
25 Apr 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
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‘Social Supermarket Workshop’
McEvoy, C. (Organiser), Woodside, J. (Participant), McKinley, M. (Participant), Nugent, A. (Participant), McGowan, L. (Participant) & Logan, D. (Participant)
Apr 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
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External Examiner - Leeds Beckett University
McGowan, L. (Examiner)
20 Mar 2024Activity: Examination types › PhD external examination
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Understanding Weight Stigma: Implications for Practice
McGowan, L. (Invited speaker)
06 Mar 2024Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
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External Examiner - University of Newcastle, Australia
McGowan, L. (Examiner)
04 Mar 2024Activity: Examination types › PhD external examination
Press/Media
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Obesity in Northern Ireland - Bariatric Surgery
18/10/2023
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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Obesity in Northern Ireland - Bariatric Surgery
13/10/2023
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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Whole Systems Approach to Obesity Prevention in NI
27/01/2023
2 Media contributions
Press/Media: Research