Jenny O'Dea is a dietitian and nutritionist more than 25 years' experience. She has lectured in nutrition and health education at The University of Sydney. Jenny is also the author of three books about nutrition and health, and has carried out many large research studies into body image, self-concept, self-esteem and eating issues among children, adolescents and college students.
Her PhD in medicine focused on ways to prevent body-image problems and eating disorders among children and adolescents using a school-based, self-esteem approach, and the results of her study influenced health researchers worldwide, paving the way for a more positive approach to preventing body-image problems and eating disorders in young people. She has also authored more than 50 research publications in well-known international journals.
Jenny is well known for her contributions to the media and public debate about food, nutrition, body image and health, and is a long-time advocate of commonsense and a balanced view-point when it comes to food, nutrition and eating. She believes that food should be enjoyed as both nutritious and delicious.