Biography
Biography: We are far more capable of influencing our physical and mental health than we let ourselves believe. Our health status is not accidental; it’s a result of everyday choices. If we honour the needs of bodies, we will thrive. It all starts from good dietary choices that focus on providing nourishment to every cell of the body while protecting it from substances that cause harm. That’s why in my PhD I focus on reducing the consumption of health-damaging free sugars through the adoption of healthy eating behaviours. I am currently conducting a large-scale randomised controlled trial, testing the effects of a 3-month dietary intervention on free sugar consumption and biopsychosocial health of the UK adult population. Academic background: I am an MSc Health Psychology and BSc Psychology graduate from Bournemouth University. My work focused primarily on lifestyle interventions aimed at improving public health through dietary modifications and physical activity. Following my interest in health psychology, I have collaborated on various projects, both qualitative and quantitative, investigating topics related to nutrition and eating behaviours (using fMRI, systematic reviews, and behavioural measures), gambling addiction, chronic conditions (myalgic encephalomyelitis and long Covid), and robotic surgeries... In 2024, I was offered a PhD studentship at Bournemouth University under the supervision of Professor Katherine Appleton and Dr Betul Tatar. The research is ongoing and focuses on reducing the consumption of free sugar intakes and improving public health.
moreJournal Articles
- Boxall, L.R., Eskandari, F., Wallis, J., Bielat, A.D. and Appleton, K.M., 2025. The Effects of Aspartame on Glucose, Insulin, and Appetite-Regulating Hormone Responses in Humans: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Advances in Nutrition, 16 (7).
- Bielat, A.D., Rogers, P.J. and Appleton, K.M., 2025. Effects of a six-day, whole-diet sweet taste intervention on pleasantness, desire for and intakes of sweet foods: A randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Nutrition, 133 (2), 277-288.
Conferences
- Appleton, K.M., Bielat, A.D., Guy, D.J., Karami, N. and Boxall, L.R., 2024. Dietary recommendations for reducing free sugar intakes: A pilot study investigating effects following advice to substitute sweet high-sugar foods with different alternatives. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY, 83 (OCE4).
- Bielat, A.D., Rogers, P.J. and Appleton, K.M., 2024. Reducing free sugar intakes: the effects of dietary sweet taste modification on sweet taste perceptions and sweet food intake. PROCEEDINGS OF THE NUTRITION SOCIETY, 83 (OCE4).
Conference Presentations
- Annual Postgraduate Research Conference, Reducing Free Sugar Intakes - The Role of Sweet Taste, 27 Nov 2024, Bournemouth
- Annual Nutrition Society Congress, Reducing Free Sugar Intakes: The Effects of Dietary Sweet Taste Modification on Sweet Taste Perceptions and Sweet Food Intake., 02 Jul 2024, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Qualifications
- Master of Science in Health Psychology (Bournemouth University, 2023)
- Bachelor of Science with Honors in Psychology (Bournemouth University, 2022)