Dr McKinleys’ research focuses on the ability of dietary interventions to modify nutritional status and risk of chronic disease, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

She also focuses on developing and evaluating complex interventions to support dietary and lifestyle change and weight management throughout the life cycle: examples of work include interventions in the school-setting; before, during and after pregnancy; and for people with type 2 diabetes. This work encompasses the use of e-health and m-health technology to support behaviour change.