Research Programme Manager

Prevention of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders in High Risk Groups

Current work and interests

Marie is a research programme manager and researcher specialising in weight management research and clinical practice. She has extensive experience as a clinician in NHS weight management services as well as in private practice. Her clinical work focused on delivering evidence-based interventions that integrate lifestyle changes and behavioural support to promote sustainable weight loss and overall health improvements.

Currently, Marie is the programme manager for the 5-year multidisciplinary Supporting Weight Management (SWiM) research programme in the Prevention of Diabetes and Related Metabolic Disorders in High-Risk Groups. This programme evaluates an acceptance-based guided self-help intervention for long-term weight management, exploring how psychological approaches and self-guided strategies foster lasting behavioural change.

Research and Experience
Marie’s research draws on her clinical expertise to investigate behavioural and psychological factors that influence long-term weight management, with a focus on integrating lifestyle changes and clinical care to achieve sustainable health outcomes. She has a particular interest in reaching underserved populations, aiming to develop interventions that are accessible, practical, and effective for those facing health disparities.

She holds a PhD in Sustainable Weight Loss from Vrije University Amsterdam, an MSc in Obesity and Weight Management from the University of South Wales, an MBus in International Business, and a BA in International Relations and Political Science from the University of Queensland. She has also contributed to academic teaching, delivering evidence-based education on managing chronic health conditions through MSc programmes in Obesity and Weight Management, Diabetes, and Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of South Wales.

Publications

• MRC Epidemiology Unit publications on the Publications Database

Selected publications

• Advancing health and fostering community involvement in medical research through the Genes & Health study. Spreckley M, Raza M, Islam K, Russell J, Hunt K, Durham C, Genes & Health Research Team, van Heel D, Khan A, Finer S. Spreckley M, Raza M, Islam K, Russell J, Hunt K, Durham C, Genes & Health Research Team, van Heel D, Khan A, Finer S. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2024 Nov; DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.11.002.
• Genetic basis of early onset and progression of type 2 diabetes in South Asians. Hodgson S, Williamson A, Stow D, Jacobs B, Samuel M, Gafton J, Zöllner J, Spreckley M, Langenberg C, van Heel D, et al. Nat Med. 2024 Nov 26; DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03317-8.
• The impact of behavioural weight management interventions on eating behaviour traits in adults with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Kudlek L, Colombo PE, Ahern A, Tait S, Reid N, Wickramarachchi M, Lakshmi A, Sharp SJ, Spreckley M, Mueller J, et al. Appetite. 2024 Aug; DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107450. ISSN: 0195-6663.
• The impact of social media interventions on eating behaviours and diet in adolescents and young adults: a mixed methods systematic review protocol. Tang H, Spreckley M, van Sluijs E, Ahern AL, Smith AD. BMJ Open. 2024 Apr; DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083465. ISSN: 2044-6055.
• Primary care-led weight-management intervention: qualitative insights into patient experiences at two-year follow-up. Spreckley M, de Lange J, Seidell J, Halberstadt J. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2023 Dec 31; DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2276576.
• Primary care-led weight-management intervention: qualitative insights into patient experiences at one-year follow-Up. Spreckley M, de Lange J, Seidell J, Halberstadt J. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2021 Jan 1; DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1862481. ISSN: 1748-2631.
• Patient insights into the experience of trying to achieve weight-loss and future expectations upon commencement of a primary care-led weight management intervention: A qualitative, baseline exploration. Spreckley M, de Lange J, Seidell JC, Halberstadt J. PLOS ONE. 2022 Jun 29; DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270426.
• Perspectives into the Experience of Successful, Substantial Long-Term Weight-Loss Maintenance: A Systematic Review. Spreckley M, de Lange J, Seidell J, Halberstadt J. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being. 2023 Sep 13; DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2256669. PMID: 37703440.