Today I’m talking to Dr. Kamila Irvine who is senior lecturer in Psychology at Lincoln University. Kamila specialises in body image and eating disorders and is particularly interested in perceptual body image and size/shape estimation. Kamila completed her PhD at Northumbria University, focusing on body image and then worked as a Teaching Fellow at Durham University before joining the School of Psychology at Lincoln University in May 2019.

Kamila’s research investigates methods of measurement and the development of new tools of body size estimation with the use of Virtual Reality and 3D body scanning. She is also working on a number of applied projects, including a Virtual Reality-body image training, and school-based projects with Body Happy Org.

In the episode today, Kamila explores her journey into this field and becoming a body image expert, emphasising the importance of 'going with the flow' and embracing opportunities as they arise. She talks about her role as a senior lecturer, including teaching students about eating disorders and body image; and her fascinating research. Kamila then gives us a whistle-stop tour through some of her (and her students') current research projects.

Kamila also shares her thoughts on the ginormous problem of diet culture and it’s influence on body image development and how we can change things (from grass roots level) to really protect and improve body image of individuals today. There's so much value packed in this episode. I hope that you enjoy the conversation.