Professor Michelle Lee

Deputy Executive Dean

Faculty of Medicine Health and Life Science

+44 (0) 1792 295281

m.d.lee@swansea.ac.uk

Office - 304
Third Floor
Institute of Life Science 2
Singleton Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1291-5895

About

I am an experimental psychologist focusing on all aspects of human appetite and eating behaviour. I am interested in the inhibitory control of eating and how attempts to control eating are mediated by impulsivity. Gaining a deeper understanding of these top-down processes can help in developing cognitive strategies to reduce overeating. I also focus on early infant feeding and weaning to understand how different feeding approaches might foster appetite control and satiety responsiveness in young children. I have a background in behavioural neuroscience and psychopharmacology. I joined the Department of Psychology at Swansea University in 2003.

Areas Of Expertise

Eating Behaviour
Motivated Behaviour
Body weight regulation
Obesity
Infant feeding
Children’s eating behaviour

Career Highlights

Research

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1291-5895

Publications

Research Highlights

Seage, C., Lee, M., & Lee, M. (2017). Do disinhibited eaters pay increased attention to food cues?. Appetite, 108, 151-155.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2016.09.031, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa30478
Price, M., Higgs, S., & Lee, M. (2015). Self-reported eating traits: Underlying components of food responsivity and dietary restriction are positively related to BMI. Appetite, 95, 203-210.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.07.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26421
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666315003232
Lee, M., Kennett, G., Dourish, C., & Clifton, P. (2002). 5-HT 1B receptors modulate components of satiety in the rat: behavioural and pharmacological analyses of the selective serotonin 1B agonist CP-94,253. Psychopharmacology, 164(1), 49
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-002-1162-7, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2397
Lee, M. & Clifton, P. (2002). Meal patterns of free feeding rats treated with clozapine, olanzapine, or haloperidol. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 71(1-2), 147
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057%2801%2900630-X, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2398
Lee, M., Somerville, E., Kennett, G., Dourish, C., & Clifton, P. (2004). Tonic regulation of satiety by 5-HT1B receptors in the mouse: converging evidence from behavioural and c-fos immunoreactivity studies?. European Journal of Neuroscience, 19(11), 3017
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0953-816X.2004.03406.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2396

All Research

Journal Articles

Gatzemeier, J., Wilkinson, L., Price, M., & Lee, M. (2024). Self-identified strategies to manage intake of tempting foods: cross-sectional and prospective associations with BMI and snack intake. Public Health Nutrition, 27(1)
https://doi.org/10.1017/s1368980024000697, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65871
Embling, R., Price, M., Lee, M., Jones, A., & Wilkinson, L. (2023). Associations between dietary variety, portion size and body weight: prospective evidence from UK Biobank participants. British Journal of Nutrition, 130(7), 1267-1277.
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007114523000156, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62282
Embling, R., Neilson, L., Randall, T., Mellor, C., Lee, M., & Wilkinson, L. (2022). ‘Edible seaweeds’ as an alternative to animal-based proteins in the UK: Identifying product beliefs and consumer traits as drivers of consumer acceptability for macroalgae. Food Quality and Preference, 100, 104613
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104613, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59878
Gatzemeier, J., Wilkinson, L., Price, M., & Lee, M. (2022). Identifying weight management clusters and examining differences in eating behaviour and psychological traits: An exploratory study. Appetite, 175, 106039
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2022.106039, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59798
Mellor, C., Embling, R., Neilson, L., Randall, T., Wakeham, C., Lee, M., & Wilkinson, L. (2022). Consumer Knowledge and Acceptance of “Algae” as a Protein Alternative: A UK-Based Qualitative Study. Foods, 11(12), 1703
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11121703, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa60152
Rowan, H., Lee, M., & Brown, A. (2022). Estimated energy and nutrient intake for infants following baby‐led and traditional weaning approaches. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 35(2), 325-336.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12981, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa59082
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12981
Wilkinson, L., Embling, R., Raynor, H., Brunstrom, J., Higgs, S., & Lee, M. (2022). Multi-component food-items and eating behaviour: What do we know and what do we need to know?. Appetite, 168, 105718
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2021.105718, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58096
Pink, A., Williams, C., Lee, M., Young, H., Harrison, S., Davies, A., & Price, M. (2021). Manipulating the sensation of feeling fat: The role of alexithymia, interoceptive sensibility and perfectionism. Physiology & Behavior, 239, 113501
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113501, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57159
Embling, R., Lee, M., Price, M., & Wilkinson, L. (2021). Testing an online measure of portion size selection: a pilot study concerned with the measurement of ideal portion size. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 7(1)
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-021-00908-x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57743
Foscarini-Craggs, P., Lowe, R., & Lee, M. (2021). Changes over time in the relationship between weight, body fat, motivation, impulsivity and eating behaviour. BMC Public Health, 21(1)
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11402-7, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57301
Embling, R., Pink, A., Gatzemeier, J., Price, M., Lee, M., & Wilkinson, L. (2021). Effect of food variety on intake of a meal: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 113(3), 716-741.
https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa352, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55546
Embling, R., Pink, A., Lee, M., Price, M., & Wilkinson, L. (2020). Consumer perception of food variety in the UK: an exploratory mixed-methods analysis. BMC Public Health, 20(1)
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09548-x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55178
Price, M., Higgs, S., Wilkinson, L., Lee, M., Embling, R., Kuberka, P., Hamill, A., Collier, J., Keable-Steer, S., Reitmaier, T., Mukhopadhyay, S., & Lindsay, S. (2020). Construal beliefs moderate the usability and effectiveness of a novel healthy eating mobile app. Physiology & Behavior, 222, 112941
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112941, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54316
Jones, S., Lee, M., & Brown, A. (2020). Spoonfeeding is associated with increased infant weight but only amongst formula‐fed infants. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 16(3)
https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12941, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa53382
Douglas, T., Stephens, J., Barry, J., Lee, M., & Wilkinson, L. (2020). The influence of attachment orientation on weight loss, eating behaviour and other health outcomes among patients undergoing bariatric surgery: A scoping review. Appetite, 147, 104504
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.104504, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52610
Rowan, H., Lee, M., Brown, A., Lee, M., & Brown, A. (2019). Differences in dietary composition between infants introduced to complementary foods using Baby-led weaning and traditional spoon feeding. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 32(1), 11-20.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12616, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48021
Gatzemeier, J., Price, M., Wilkinson, L., & Lee, M. (2019). Understanding everyday strategies used to manage indulgent food consumption: A mixed-methods design. Appetite, 136, 70-79.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.01.010, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48130
Embling, R., Price, M., Lee, M., & Wilkinson, L. (2019). Food-variety-focused labelling does not increase ideal portion size, expected fullness or snack intake. Food Quality and Preference, 73, 46-55.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodqual.2018.12.005, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa47909
Pink, A., Lee, M., Price, M., & Williams, C. (2019). A serial mediation model of the relationship between alexithymia and BMI: The role of negative affect, negative urgency and emotional eating. Appetite, 133, 270-278.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2018.11.014, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa45961
Seage, C., Lee, M., & Lee, M. (2017). Do disinhibited eaters pay increased attention to food cues?. Appetite, 108, 151-155.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2016.09.031, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa30478
Price, M., Higgs, S., & Lee, M. (2017). Self-control mediates the relationship between time perspective and BMI. Appetite, 108, 156-160.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2016.09.034, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa40097
Price, M., Higgs, S., & Lee, M. (2016). Snack intake is reduced using an implicit, high-level construal cue. Health Psychology, 35(8), 923-926.
https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000322, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa23998
Price, M., Higgs, S., Maw, J., & Lee, M. (2016). A dual-process approach to exploring the role of delay discounting in obesity. Physiology & Behavior, 162, 46-51.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.02.020, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26525
Higgs, S., Lee, M., & Price, M. (2016). Food-specific response inhibition, dietary restraint and snack intake in lean and overweight/obese adults: a moderated-mediation model. International Journal of Obesity, 40(5), 877-882.
https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2015.235, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa24165
Price, M., Higgs, S., & Lee, M. (2015). Self-reported eating traits: Underlying components of food responsivity and dietary restriction are positively related to BMI. Appetite, 95, 203-210.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.07.006, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa26421
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666315003232
Brown, A., Lee, M., Lee, M., & Brown, A. (2015). Early influences on child satiety-responsiveness: the role of weaning style. Pediatric Obesity, 10(1), 57-66.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2047-6310.2013.00207.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa16923
Brown, A. & Lee, M. (2013). Breastfeeding Is Associated with a Maternal Feeding Style Low in Control from Birth. PLoS ONE, 8(1)
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0054229, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa14799
Brown, A. & Lee, M. (2011). Maternal Control of Child Feeding During the Weaning Period: Differences Between Mothers Following a Baby-led or Standard Weaning Approach. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 15(8), 1265-1271.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-010-0678-4, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa8898
Brown, A., Raynor, P., Lee, M., Raynor, P., Lee, M., & Brown, A. (2011). Maternal control of child-feeding during breast and formula feeding in the first 6 months post-partum. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 24(2), 177-186.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277X.2010.01145.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa8900
Brown, A. & Lee, M. (2010). A descriptive study investigating the use and nature of baby-led weaning in a UK sample of mothers. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 7(1), 34-47.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2010.00243.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa8899
Brown, A., Raynor, P., Benton, D., Lee, M., Raynor, P., Lee, M., & Brown, A. (2009). Indices of Multiple Deprivation predict breastfeeding duration in England and Wales. The European Journal of Public Health, 20(2), 231-235.
https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckp114, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa8897
Lee, M., Somerville, E., Kennett, G., Dourish, C., & Clifton, P. (2004). Tonic regulation of satiety by 5-HT1B receptors in the mouse: converging evidence from behavioural and c-fos immunoreactivity studies?. European Journal of Neuroscience, 19(11), 3017
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0953-816X.2004.03406.x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2396
Lee, M., Somerville, E., Kennett, G., Dourish, C., & Clifton, P. (2004). Reduced hypophagic effects of d-fenfluramine and the 5-HT2C receptor agonist mCPP in 5-HT1B receptor knockout mice. Psychopharmacology, 176(1), 39
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-004-1864-0, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2395
Lee, M., Kennett, G., Dourish, C., & Clifton, P. (2002). 5-HT 1B receptors modulate components of satiety in the rat: behavioural and pharmacological analyses of the selective serotonin 1B agonist CP-94,253. Psychopharmacology, 164(1), 49
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-002-1162-7, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2397
Lee, M. & Clifton, P. (2002). Meal patterns of free feeding rats treated with clozapine, olanzapine, or haloperidol. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 71(1-2), 147
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057%2801%2900630-X, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa2398

Book Chapters

Lee, M. & Clifton, P. (2020). Role of the serotonergic system in appetite and ingestion control. Handbook of Behavioral Neuroscience (pp. 469-487). Elsevier
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-444-64125-0.00027-x, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa53639

Conference Contributions

Pink, A., Price, M., Lee, M., Young, H., & Williams, C. (2018). Why do I feel so fat? The role of poor emotional and physical sensation processing in feeling fat. In Appetite (pp. 311-312). Elsevier BV.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2018.05.218, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa48914
Jones, S., Brown, A., & Lee, M. (2018). Could spoon‐feeding babies lead to overweight and obesity? The Weaning and Weight Study (WAWS): Exploring complementary feeding approach, milk feeding, and weight gain in the first year of life, presented at the Nutrition and Nurture in Infancy and Childhood Conference, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria, 2017. In MAINN Conference 10th - 14th June 2017, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria. Organised by the Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture Unit (MAINN), University of Central Lancashire.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58914

Supervision

Exploring the conceptualisation of ‘variety’ and its effects on food intake: A mixed methods approach (awarded 2023)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Laura Wilkinson

Taught Modules

PSY213 Brain and Behaviour

The module provides an in depth look at the complex relationship between brain function (from the level of single neurons through to whole brain systems) and behaviour (of humans and other animals). The module will provide a grounding in the basic principles of learning theory and how these are applied in psychology and neuroscience research. We will explore how the brain responds and adapts to the external environment, the how genes and environment interact and the impact this has on brain function and behaviour in the context of stress, obesity, pain and motivation and emotion. We will also look at how recreational drugs affect the brain and what the consequences of drug taking are for human behaviour.