John Batsis

John Batsis is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with primary appointment in the Division of Geriatric Medicine (School of Medicine) and joint appointment in the Department of Nutrition (Gillings School of Global Public Health). He joined UNC Chapel Hill in September 2020 after serving on faculty at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Geisel School of Medicine since 2008.

His research centers on sarcopenic obesity—the synergistic impact of obesity and low muscle mass/strength in aging populations—with extensive work analyzing large datasets to evaluate relationships between body composition changes and critical outcomes like mortality and physical function. He actively translates epidemiological findings into clinical trials focusing on obesity management, technology-assisted health interventions, and life-course health promotion in older adults, emphasizing close monitoring during weight loss efforts.

Dr. Batsis serves on editorial boards for the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Journal of Gerontological Medical Sciences, and Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics. His national leadership includes long-standing roles on the American Geriatrics Society research committee and Gerontological Society of America.

His scientific recognition includes:

• New Investigator Award from the American Geriatrics Society
• Selection to the TidesWell Emerging Leaders in Aging Program