IMS Epidemiology, University of Cambridge
@imsepidemiology
Research to improve population health in the UK and around the world. Formerly the MRC Epidemiology Unit
Using 17 datasets the researchers tested whether the CEBQ could identify obesity status and derived score thresholds for treatment referral. Six of eight traits showed discriminative value, strongest in children aged 7–12. (quote from Dr Laura Kudlek) Read the blog: buff.ly/gUxFF1V (3/3)
Not every child with obesity exhibits the same eating behaviour - so why apply the same treatment? Researchers from @imsepidemiology.bsky.social @cam.ac.uk, @ucl.ac.uk, & @universityofleeds.bsky.social used eating behaviour to guide obesity treatment selection. Read the blog: buff.ly/gUxFF1V (1/3)
(3/3) Led by Helen Paretti from @uniofeastanglia.bsky.social in collaboration with the @cam.ac.uk, @unibirmingham.bsky.social, @bristoluni.bsky.social, @sheffielduni.bsky.social, @leedsbeckett.bsky.social, NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board & patient representatives with lived experience.
A team of researchers, including IMS Epidemiology’s Amy Ahern, have secured £4 million in NIHR funding to develop and test a new model of long-term obesity care in the community. Read more - buff.ly/XA4RCJk (1/3)
epigram, Issue 2 is out! Read to find out more about … • The power of weight loss • And when is too young to start using weight loss drugs? • In their words: our researchers’ share the purpose of their work Subscribe to keep up to date with our news - buff.ly/r0O9xbK
Could long-term air pollution exposure increase the risk of neurological diseases that affect movement? Air pollution is already linked to a range of health conditions affecting the heart, lungs & brain but what about conditions like Parkinson’s disease, MS & MND? Read our blog buff.ly/jFIYv7J 1/5
"The air we inherit" A youth-led exhibition on young Londoners' experiences of air pollution — art, film & interactive activities developed with researchers from @imsepidemiology.bsky.social & @qmul.bsky.social 📅 27 June, 1–4pm 📍 Grocer's Wing, Tower Hamlets Town Hall
One in 10 children in England in their first year at primary school is obese The @financialtimes.com article focuses on the use of GLP-1s for children with severe excessive weight and the NHS’ response to this crisis Read more - bit.ly/43TluVL
TODAY - 12pm From Plate to Brain: Global Diet, Cognitive Function and Neuroimaging in Diverse Populations Prof. Sonia Anand (@mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social) will examine the influence and impact of global dietary patterns across diverse populations. Register to attend - buff.ly/FjfjFr7
Three of @imsepidemiology.bsky.social researchers - @jeanmadams.bsky.social, @thomasburgoine.bsky.social, and Élisabeth Demers-Potvin have contributed to the report. Read the report - buff.ly/rZwUQj9 (3/3)
This should act as a wake-up call for policymakers to take action to protect the health of people and the planet. It also shows how high rates of obesity, tooth decay, and decreasing healthy life expectancy are common for our children. (2/3)
The @foodfoundation.bsky.social’s #BrokenPlate report shows price gap between healthier and less healthy food is now at its widest level in over a decade. Read the report - buff.ly/rZwUQj9 (1/3)
WEBINAR: The power of metaphor in public health Dr Benjamin Hawkins - @imsepidemiology.buff.ly/G0Mmxkp Dr May van Skalkwyk - @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social 2/06/26 - 12:00–13:00 Register here - buff.ly/2NuWKQl Hosted by PHI UK @lhgp.bsky.social
From Plate to Brain: Global Diet, Cognitive Function and Neuroimaging in Diverse Populations In this webinar, Prof. Sonia Anand (@mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social) will examine the influence & impact of global dietary patterns across diverse populations. 12/06 - 12noon Register - buff.ly/FjfjFr7
Interactive workshop: Modelling climate, behaviour and health in urban systems 4 June, 14:00 BST Bringing together expertise across climate science, transport, environmental exposure, and health modelling to address emerging methodological challenges. Register: buff.ly/0hS0jKG
Bradford Hill Seminar – From Plate to Brain: Global Diet, Cognitive Function and Neuroimaging in Diverse Populations Prof. Sonia Anand (@mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social) will examine the influence and impact of global dietary patterns across diverse populations. Register to attend - buff.ly/FjfjFr7
@imsepidemiology.bsky.social’s @drmariespreckley.bsky.social was a keynote panellist at @sbm.org’s 47th Annual Meeting. She examined evolving definitions of success in obesity treatment with incretin-based therapies, highlighting quality of life, sustainability, & patient-centred outcomes.
Obesity: What does it mean to be thin on the outside, but fat on the inside? In this BBC Arabic article, Prof Nita Forouhi discusses factors that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the future, which are linked to premature death Read more - buff.ly/R80qMdQ
Congratulations to @imsepidemiology.bsky.social's @drmariespreckley.bsky.social who was nominated for @cam.ac.uk's Research Culture Celebration 2026 in recognition of her contributions to fostering positive research culture in her team. Nominees were celebrated on 13 May at a party at Kettle's Yard
Modelling Climate, Behaviour, and Health in Changing Urban Systems Interactive workshop — 4 June, 14:00 BST Examine the impacts of climate change on infrastructure, behaviour, exposures, and health, and discuss implications for modelling approaches. Register: buff.ly/0hS0jKG
(3/4) Analysing 1000s of health factors from 200, 000 UK Biobank participants, the researchers identified factors that could predict future health risks. Identifying high-risk individuals early can help healthcare professionals choose the appropriate intervention treatments such as GLP-1s.
(1/4) A new obesity-risk model – OBSCORE - was developed and tested by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité and the University of Cambridge. Read our blog - buff.ly/oCTgjV5
Bradford Hill Seminar – From Plate to Brain: Global Diet, Cognition & Neuroimaging in Diverse Populations. Prof. Sonia Anand (@mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social) examines how diet affects cognition and brain structure. 11/06/2026, 3pm–4 pm Register -
(3/3) The research was funded by @ec.europa.eu, Spanish Ministry of Economy, Italian Ministry of Health, Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria de Salud, European Regional Development Fund and EIT Health.
(2/3) The largest population-based liver fibrosis screening—30,199 people aged 40+—found obesity, type 2 diabetes and harmful alcohol use are the top risk factors. The research was conducted by the LiverScreen Consortium across 35 institutions in 9 European countries.
Bradford Hill Seminar – From Plate to Brain: Global Diet, Cognition & Neuroimaging in Diverse Populations. Prof. Sonia Anand (@mcmasteruniversity.bsky.social) examines how diet affects cognition and brain structure. 11/06/2026, 3pm–4 pm Register -
In our newly branded epigram newsletter you’ll find out more about … Why our name has changed The health implications of high testosterone The lack of support for weight loss drug users And, how multibuy food deals impact our health. Subscribe to keep up to date with our news - buff.ly/2M6dYs8
(2/3) Ultra-processed foods are industrially produced products designed for convenience and taste. Research has linked higher consumption to poorer diet quality and increased risk of chronic disease.
(1/3) Make healthier food choices can be confusing and challenging. A study led by Michael Essman (@duke-university.bsky.social) whilst at @imsepidemiology.bsky.social (@cam.ac.uk) examines how we understand ultra-processed foods and the decisions we make about them. Read - buff.ly/RSs6wXd
@imsepidemiology.bsky.social’s @drmariespreckley.bsky.social is quoted in a BBC Future’s article, highlighting concerns that a lack of behavioural and lifestyle support for those on weight-loss drugs can lead to further issues. Read the full BBC Future – buff.ly/OTpSvPq