Samuel Dicken

Samuel Dicken is a Research Fellow at University College London (UCL), affiliated with the Department of Behavioural Science and Health and the Centre for Obesity Research under the Division of Medicine. His work focuses on the health implications of ultra-processed food (UPF), examining dietary effects on metabolism, weight regulation, and long-term health outcomes through experimental and observational studies.

• Research Interests: Nutrition and dietetics, nutritional epidemiology, metabolic medicine, endocrinology, and biomedical/clinical sciences.
• Key Projects: A randomized controlled trial and behavioural support programme assessing UPF/MPF diets under UK guidelines; longitudinal analyses of UPF consumption in relation to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and pandemic-related dietary shifts.
• Academic Contributions: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles (2022–2025) in journals like Nature Medicine, The Lancet Regional Health, and Nutrients, plus a UCL thesis on UPF’s health effects independent of nutrient quality.
• Teaching & Engagement: Postgraduate Teaching Assistant for clinical trials and statistics modules at UCL; active media and public engagement on nutrition, including BBC interviews and Cambridge panel discussions.