Alexandra Rhodes (PhD student)

PhD title: Developing an app-based intervention to encourage healthy eating, physical activity and weight management in pregnancy.

Before embarking on a PhD in the Obesity group (BSH) at UCL,  Alex had a long career as a commercial qualitative researcher, running her own company and working for large, blue-chip manufacturers and retailers of consumer goods and services. 10 years ago she began working with child health charity Best Beginnings on a pro bono basis. Best Beginnings provides resources to inform and empower parents to give their child the best possible start in life. The charity is committed to reducing inequalities and has helped to influence policy in a number of areas.  Alex conducted the insight research for the development of Small Wonders, a series of films to support parents of premature and sick babies; Out of the Blue, a series of perinatal mental health films and Baby Buddy, the revolutionary app to support women through pregnancy and the first six months of baby’s life. This free, award-winning app is now NHS accredited.

Alex is using the opportunity provided by her PhD to develop a healthy eating and physical activity intervention that aims to reduce maternal and child obesity.