Krista Varady

Krista Varady, PhD is a Professor of Nutrition in the Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), College of Applied Health Sciences. Her office is located at 532 AHSB, 1919 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL. With over 100 publications and two popular science books (Every Other Day Diet and The Fastest Diet), she has established herself as a leading expert in intermittent fasting research.

• PhD in Human Nutrition, McGill University (2002-2006)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Berkeley (2006-2008)
• BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Guelph (1998-2002)

Dr. Varady's research program centers on the safety and efficacy of intermittent fasting protocols for weight loss and metabolic disease reduction, particularly in populations with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Her work systematically investigates various fasting approaches including alternate day fasting, time-restricted eating, and the 5:2 diet, examining their effects on weight management, metabolic health markers, cardiovascular risk factors, and hormonal regulation. A key aspect of her research addresses common concerns about potential side effects, demonstrating that properly implemented intermittent fasting does not cause problematic changes in sex hormones or lead to eating disorders.

Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2024) reveals a growing focus on clinical applications of intermittent fasting, with increasing attention to specific populations including those with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Her work increasingly examines combined interventions (fasting plus exercise) and investigates physiological mechanisms underlying observed health benefits. The research spans multiple methodologies from narrative reviews and meta-analyses to rigorous randomized controlled trials.

• Researcher of the Year, Distinguished Scientist, Clinical Sciences, UIC (2023)
• Researcher of the Year, Applied Health Sciences, UIC (2019)
• Mead Johnson Young Investigator Award, American Society for Nutrition (2017)
• Malaspina Scholar Award, International Life Sciences Institute (2015)

Dr. Varady's research program is supported by significant funding from the National Institutes of Health (including multiple R01 grants), the American Heart Association, the International Life Sciences Institute, and the University of Illinois. Her current projects include investigating alternate day fasting combined with exercise for NAFLD treatment, comparing time-restricted feeding versus daily calorie restriction, and examining effects of time-restricted eating on colorectal cancer risk markers. While specific students aren't listed in the provided materials, her active grant portfolio suggests she mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in her laboratory.