John A. Batsis, MD

About

Dr. Batsis is not accepting Doctoral students for Fall 2023

Dr. Batsis is a Clinician and Health Services Researcher with a joint appointment in the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Department of Nutrition. His specific clinical and research interests are in the synergistic impact of obesity and low muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) on important outcomes relevant to older adults, including physical function and mortality.  His recent work has focused on translating large-dataset epidemiology-based work to clinical trials in older adults focusing on body composition changes during weight loss efforts. Importantly, he leverages his ongoing experience in providing clinical care in the outpatient and nursing home settings to older adults with multimorbidity and frailty which inform his research work.  He engages in transdisciplinary team science with research focusing on developing and applying technology to enhance health, function, and quality of life in older adults. 

John Batsis in the Gillings News

Honors and Awards

TidesWell Leadership Scholar
2019-2021, American Geriatrics Society/UCSF

Top Reviewer Award
2018, Journal of Gerontology Medical Sciences 2

Geriatric Recognition Award
2017, American Geriatrics Society

New Investigator Award
2014, American Geriatrics Society

Research Activities

Obesity
Aging
Physical Function
Sarcopenia
Technology - Telemedicine, Remote Monitoring
Health Promotion

Service Activities

Member, Research Committee, American Geriatrics Society
Chair, Research Methods Subcommittee, American Geriatrics Society
Co-Chair, Diversity in Research Subcommittee, American Geriatrics Society
Editorial Board, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society    
Editorial Board, Journal of Gerontological Medical Science   
Editorial Board, Journal of Nutrition in Geriatrics & Gerontology    

Key Publications

A Systematic Review of Dietary Supplements and Alternative Therapies for Weight Loss. Batsis JA, Apolzan JW, Bagley PJ, Blunt HB, Divan V, Gill S, Golden A, Gundumraj S, Heymsfield SB, Kahan S, Kopatsis K, Port A, Parks EP, Reilly CA, Rubino D, Saunders KH, Shean R, Tabaza L, Stanley A, Tchang BG, Gundumraj S, Kidambi S (2021). Obesity, 29(7), 1102-1113.
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Feasibility and acceptability of a technology-based, rural weight management intervention in older adults with obesity. Batsis JA, Petersen CL, Clark MM, Cook SB, Kotz D, Gooding TL, Roderka MN, Al-Nimr RI, Pidgeon D, Haedrich A, Wright KC, Aquila C, Mackenzie TA (1970). BMC Geriatr, 21(1).
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Sarcopenic obesity in older adults: aetiology, epidemiology and treatment strategies. Batsis JA, Villareal DT (2018). Nat Rev Endocrinol, 14(9), 531-37.
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Low Lean Mass With and Without Obesity, and Mortality: Results From the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examinatio. Batsis JA, Mackenzie TA, Emeny RT, Lopez-Jimenez F, Bartels SJ (1970). J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 72(10), 1445-51.
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Weight Loss Interventions in Older Adults with Obesity: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials Since 2005. Batsis JA, Gill LE, Masutani RK, Adachi-Mejia AM, Blunt HB, Bagley PJ, Lopez-Jimenez F, Bartels SJ (2017). J Am Geriatr Soc, 65(2), 257-68.
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Education