Could you briefly tell us who you are and what you teach at the University of Roehampton?

My name is Olah Hakim and I am a lecturer in Nutrition and Health at the University of Roehampton where I teach mainly on the modules Physiology and Metabolism and Nutrition of Population Groups.

How long have you been at Roehampton and what did you do before?

I joined the University of Roehampton in the summer of 2021, so I have been here for nearly 3 years. Before that, I worked at King’s College London in various research related roles for over 11 years. I started as a research assistant in analytical biochemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences then I moved on to doing a PhD in Diabetes in the Nutritional Sciences department which I completed in 2020.

What is your main area of research?

My area of research is in understanding the interplay between obesity, diabetes and ethnicity. Ethnicity can play a significant role in both the prevalence and management of diabetes and obesity, as certain ethnic groups may be predisposed to higher rates of these conditions due to genetic, cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. My research focuses on examining how obesity and diabetes interact and influence each other’s occurrence, progression and management within ethnic minority populations.

Why do you think this is important and how does it fit in with the field of nutrition?

Research in diabetes and obesity is vital due to their global health impact, rising prevalence and economic burden. Interdisciplinary studies are essential, involving genetics, nutrition, physiology and public health. Nutrition research plays a crucial role in diabetes research exploring dietary influences on metabolic health and body weight regulation. Understanding these complex interactions informs prevention and treatment strategies aiming to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

To find out more about Roehampton’s BSc Nutrition and Health programme, visit our website.