Elizabeth Claydon

Elizabeth Claydon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences at the School of Public Health, West Virginia University. She focuses on eating disorders prevention and obesity prevention, particularly through primary prevention strategies. Her work integrates transformative and translational research frameworks to empower individuals and address health disparities. She collaborates extensively with clinicians, including Dr. Christa Lilly, and emphasizes involving those with lived experiences in her studies.

Education:

• PhD
• MPH

Research Interests:

• Primary prevention of eating disorders and obesity
• Community-engaged research methodologies
• Qualitative research exploring lived experiences
• Maternal mental health and body image
• Social media’s role in wellness and disordered eating
• Health disparities in Appalachian and rural populations
• Dissemination and implementation science for nutrition practitioners

Her recent articles highlight a focus on addressing eating disorders and related mental health issues across various populations, including pregnant women and college students. She explores the use of wearable technology for health monitoring during the perinatal period and develops frameworks to combat pro-eating disorder messaging on social media. Her work also examines the intersection of substance use, violence, and disordered eating behaviors, aiming to create practical interventions that translate research into clinical practice.

Scientific Awards:

• No awards listed

Advising and Grants:

• Mentored multiple students in research projects
• Collaborated with Dr. Christa Lilly on developing the Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool
• Conducted studies involving community partners to ensure translational outcomes
• Secured funding for clinician sensitivity training and wearable technology applications

Labs and Teams:

• Works with WVU obstetricians and maternal health researchers
• Engages with community organizations and lived experience advocates
• Participates in interdisciplinary teams addressing health disparities