Dr. Giles S. H. Yeo, MBE, PhD

Giles S. H. Yeo, MBE, PhD, is a geneticist and neuroendocrinologist studying appetite and obesity based at MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge in Cambridge, United Kingdom, recognised internationally for work in genetics of obesity and the brain control of appetite. He serves as Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology.

His principal interests are genetics of obesity and severe early onset obesity; brain control of food intake and body weight; and appetite regulation and hormone signalling. He was appointed member of the Order of the British Empire.

Nutrition scientists design and run the studies that establish how food affects health, from laboratory work on single nutrients to trials and cohorts involving thousands of people. The work of Dr. Giles Yeo sits in genetics of obesity and the brain control of appetite.

Dr. Giles Yeo Credentials And Affiliation Details

• Full Name And Credentials: Giles S. H. Yeo, MBE, PhD
• Profession: Geneticist and neuroendocrinologist studying appetite and obesity
• Field Of Focus: Genetics of obesity and the brain control of appetite
• Current Position: Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology
• Institution: MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge
• Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
• Sees Patients: No, this specialist works in research and education

Academic And Professional Credentials Of Dr. Giles Yeo

The qualifications below are drawn from the institutional, professional body and publisher sources listed at the end of this profile.

• Undergraduate: BA in molecular and cell biology, University of California, Berkeley, 1994
• Doctorate: PhD in molecular genetics, University of Cambridge, 1998, supervised by the Nobel laureate Sydney Brenner
• Fellowship: Postdoctoral research with Professor Sir Stephen O’Rahilly on the genetics of severe human obesity

Scientific And Clinical Interests Of Dr. Giles Yeo

Published professional sources describe the work of Dr. Giles Yeo as centred on:

• Genetics of obesity and severe early onset obesity
• Brain control of food intake and body weight
• Appetite regulation and hormone signalling
• Obesity pharmacotherapy and incretin based treatment
• Public understanding of diet and weight

Academic Leadership Of Dr. Giles Yeo

• Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, appointed 2022
• Director of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge
• Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association since 2019
• President of the British Society for Neuroendocrinology
• Fellow and graduate tutor, Wolfson College, Cambridge
• Co-leader of a module on the Master’s in Genomic Medicine course
• Author of Gene Eating and Why Calories Don’t Count

Dr. Giles Yeo Honours And Scholarly Impact

• Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2020 for services to research, communication and engagement
• Society for Endocrinology Medal, 2022
• JBS Haldane Lecturer, Genetics Society centenary year, 2019
• Presenter of BBC science documentaries, including Why Are We Getting So Fat, and of BBC Radio 4 series on diet
• Host of the podcast Dr Giles Yeo Chews The Fat

Working Setting For Dr. Giles Yeo

MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge

Cambridge, United Kingdom. This is an academic and research base rather than a patient clinic. Enquiries about research, teaching or media are handled by the institution rather than by this directory.

What Obesity Genetics And Appetite Involves

Modern obesity science treats excess weight as a condition driven by biology, environment and behaviour rather than a simple failure of willpower. Appetite is regulated by hormones and brain circuits that defend body weight, which is why weight regained after dieting is the rule rather than the exception. Current care combines realistic dietary change, behavioural support, activity and, where appropriate, medication or surgery. Reducing the stigma attached to weight is treated as part of effective treatment, not a courtesy.

Other Experts In Obesity Genetics And Appetite

If you are comparing specialists, these profiles cover closely related areas of nutrition:

• Dr. Rena Wing, behavioural weight management at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and The Miriam Hospital
• Dr. Susan Jebb, diet and population health at Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, and the Food Standards Agency
• Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, obesity medicine at University of Ottawa and the Bariatric Medical Institute
• Dr. David Jenkins, glycaemic index research at University of Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital

Browse the full dietitian and nutritionist directory for more specialists.

Enquiries And Professional Contact For Dr. Giles Yeo

This specialist does not offer individual consultations. Dr. Giles Yeo works in research, teaching and public health nutrition. Research, teaching and media enquiries go to MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge directly. For personal dietary advice, see a dietitian or nutritionist registered in your own country, or use the enquiry button on this page and we will point you towards a practising specialist in the directory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Giles Yeo

What did Dr. Giles Yeo study?

PhD in molecular genetics, University of Cambridge, 1998, supervised by the Nobel laureate Sydney Brenner. Full training details appear in the education section above.

What are the qualifications of Dr. Giles Yeo?

Giles S. H. Yeo, MBE, PhD. Full credentials are listed above.

What position does Dr. Giles Yeo hold?

Dr. Giles Yeo is Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, based at MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge.

What is Obesity Genetics And Appetite?

Obesity Genetics And Appetite is the area of nutrition science concerned with genetics of obesity and the brain control of appetite. Specialists working in it, including Dr. Giles Yeo, study how diet relates to health and translate those findings into guidance.

Has Dr. Giles Yeo received professional recognition?

Yes. Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2020 for services to research, communication and engagement. Further awards and distinctions are listed above.

Does Dr. Giles Yeo hold leadership roles in the field?

Yes. Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge, appointed 2022. A fuller list of appointments appears above.

Source List For Dr. Giles Yeo

• Wellcome MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge
• Wolfson College, Cambridge
• University of Cambridge, Programme for Advanced Clinical Education

Profile Verification And Review Date For Dr. Giles Yeo

This profile was compiled from the public professional sources listed above, including university faculty pages, professional register and society records, journal author statements and publisher biographies. Qualifications, appointments and awards were checked against at least two independent sources where available. Last reviewed on 30 October 2026.

Found something out of date? Contact the Find MD Health editorial team and we will review the entry.

Find MD Health Disclaimer For This Dr. Giles Yeo Profile

Information only, not medical or dietary advice, and not a listing for appointments. For individual guidance, see a registered dietitian or your own doctor.