Almost half of Australians will experience a mental illness in their lifetime, resulting in a staggering human and economic cost. While the last decade has seen substantial efforts to reduce stigma and increase access to sorely needed treatment, the population burden of depression and anxiety has not reduced and may indeed be increasing during the COVID-19 era.
Collaborating with researchers from around the globe, Dr Marx has demonstrated how improving the way we eat can help prevent and manage mental illness. His research has direct implications for how we treat the billions of people living with mental illnesses. Importantly, it is likely to lead to safe and effective treatment options to improve both mental and physical health, thus improving the lives of Australians living with mental illness.
Dr Marx has given keynote presentations at public seminars, co-presented online education programs (Future Learn Food and Mood Course) and numerous TV, online, radio, and print media appearances. Wolfgang has also advocated for changes to nutrition policy to government and initiatives to upskill early career researchers in STEM.
Wolfgang completed his PhD in 2016 at Bond University. He is currently a Senior Research Fellow at the Food & Mood Centre.