Social Policy
1+3
School for Social Policy Studies, University of Bristol
Start date: September 2023
Research topic: Tightening the Waist Band: Is better regulation needed to reduce harmful practices of the diet industry?
My research examines the harmful impacts of the diet industry, focusing on how its corporate structures and lack of regulation perpetuate harm. By applying critical criminology and zemiology, I aim to reveal the broader cultural, social, and financial harms experienced by women targeted by commercialised dieting. Through detailed case studies and interviews, I will explore women’s lived experiences with weight-loss companies and investigate the industry’s regulatory landscape. My goal is to provide actionable insights that can improve policies, enhance corporate responsibility, and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes and support for women engaged in weight-loss efforts.
Research supervisors: Dr Joanna Large, Dr Zoi Toumpakari
Email: Jaimieoconnor@gmail.com