Inspiring success Lawrence Nnyanzi, PhD in Public Health


Lawrences research explores the relationship between weight status and children’s mental wellbeing.


I won a Teesside University doctoral scholarship award after completing my MSc International Public Health Nutrition. As part of my PhD I conducted a robust mixed methods study exploring the relationship between weight status and children’s mental wellbeing, particularly in the context of the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP). It identified many intriguing findings to inform policy and practice, specifically the negative outcomes from measurement process – emotional distress amongst parents and children, children over- sensitised about their bodies and weight, potential stigma amongst peers. I argued that it is necessary to measure and feedback weight results – but we need to look at how.


I focused on the government’s NCMP as it has continued to generate debate among researchers, health professionals and policy makers. It has been criticised in some quarters as unethical – a screening programme with no clear or effective interventions. My comprehensive literature review suggested that the first steps to resolving this debate would be to find out more. Does the NCMP and its weight feedback spur families into thinking about adopting healthy lifestyles? How might a child’s mental wellbeing be affected by telling families of their child’s weight status? What is the relationship between weight status and mental wellbeing among children? I wanted to find answers to these questions – which is why I chose this particular PhD project.


Teesside’s blossoming research culture, together with its excellent library and information technology facilities, provided


‘A research degree at Teesside University is certainly worthwhile. Being part of a progressive community of researchers at Teesside, driven by success and innovation, provides a wonderful sense of achievement.’


the right environment for me to complete my PhD work.


And the unique network between the University’s Health and Social Care Research Institute and other regional universities enabled me to meet with other researchers, inspiring me to complete my PhD. Our Postgraduate Forum for Researchers, a platform for sharing with fellow PhD researchers, provided a lot of encouragement.


I was challenged by the University’s strict ethical procedures for conducting research with human subjects. At times it caused problems with recruiting participants for my project. But the Institute’s extremely professional administration provided accurate and timely responses to challenges that could have stalled my progress.


My PhD improved my knowledge and understanding of the key issues underpinning research, children’s mental health, childhood obesity and the attempts to control it. The process has boosted my confidence, sharpened my intelligence and developed my judgement


making me ready to face the many health challenges in the world today.


I now work as a Senior Lecturer in Research Methods at the University. I use modern pedagogical methods to help students learn about the different aspects of research. I am also writing and publishing articles and soon hope to put funding bids in to do more research of national and international importance.


A research degree at Teesside University is certainly worthwhile. Research courses are tailored towards an individual’s needs working closely with the supervisors to achieve set goals. Being part of a progressive community of researchers at Teesside University driven by success and innovation provides a wonderful sense of achievement.


Find out more about studying at Teesside: tees.ac.uk/international


Find out more about our courses:


tees.ac.uk/health&socialcare


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