Dr. Tim Spector
Dr. Tim Spector is a physician and genetic epidemiologist working on diet and the microbiome at King’s College London and ZOE in London, United Kingdom, recognised for work in gut microbiome nutrition. Works in research and education and does not offer individual consultations.
Dr. Tim Spector, OBE, MD, FMedSci
Tim Spector, OBE, MD, FMedSci, is a physician and genetic epidemiologist working on diet and the microbiome at King’s College London and ZOE in London, United Kingdom, known above all for genetic epidemiology, the gut microbiome and nutrition. Dr. Tim Spector holds the post of Professor of Genetic Epidemiology and Director of the TwinsUK Registry.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Tim Spector was previously a consultant rheumatologist before moving into genetic epidemiology in 1992. He was appointed officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Doctors who move into nutrition research produce the studies that underpin national dietary guidance, and many also teach the next generation of clinicians. Dr. Tim Spector is associated above all with genetic epidemiology, the gut microbiome and nutrition.
Dr. Tim Spector Professional Snapshot
- Full Name And Credentials: Tim Spector, OBE, MD, FMedSci
- Profession: Physician and genetic epidemiologist working on diet and the microbiome
- Field Of Focus: Genetic epidemiology, the gut microbiome and nutrition
- Current Position: Professor of Genetic Epidemiology and Director of the TwinsUK Registry
- Institution: King’s College London and ZOE
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Sees Patients: No, this specialist works in research and education
- Previous Appointments: Previously a consultant rheumatologist before moving into genetic epidemiology in 1992
Dr. Tim Spector Education And Professional Qualifications
The qualifications below are drawn from the institutional, professional body and publisher sources listed at the end of this profile.
- Medical Degree: Trained in medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College, London
- Public Health: MSc in epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- Doctorate: MD thesis, University of London
Scientific And Clinical Interests Of Dr. Tim Spector
Published professional sources describe the work of Dr. Tim Spector as centred on:
- The gut microbiome and diet
- Twin studies, genetics and epigenetics
- Personalised nutrition and individual responses to food
- Ultra-processed food and health
- Public communication of nutrition science
Dr. Tim Spector Academic And Professional Appointments
- Professor of Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London
- Director of the TwinsUK registry, which he founded in 1992 and which has enrolled around 15,000 twins
- Scientific co-founder of ZOE, the nutrition science company, established 2017
- Lead scientist on the ZOE COVID Symptom Study, a citizen science project involving more than four million participants
- Director of the crowdfunded British Gut microbiome project
- Past President of the International Society of Twin Studies and director of the European Twin Registry Consortium
- Author of The Diet Myth, Spoon Fed, Food for Life and Identically Different
Awards And Honours Received By Dr. Tim Spector
- Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his work on the COVID Symptom Study
- Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Senior Investigator
- Held a European Research Council senior investigator award in epigenetics
- Author of more than 900 research papers and ranked among the most cited scientists in the world
Dr. Tim Spector Appointments By Location
King’s College London and ZOE
London, 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.
How Gut Microbiome Nutrition Shapes Dietary Advice
The gut microbiome is the community of bacteria and other microbes living in the digestive tract, and it differs markedly from one person to another. Diet is one of the strongest influences on it, which is part of why two people can eat the same meal and show different blood sugar and blood fat responses. Work in this area links dietary fibre, fermented foods and plant diversity to the make up of the microbiome, and uses that to explain why one size fits all dietary advice often disappoints.
Further Specialists Working In Gut Microbiome Nutrition
If you are comparing specialists, these profiles cover closely related areas of nutrition:
- Dr. Federica Amati, personalised and clinical nutrition at ZOE, Imperial College London and King’s College London
- Dr. Kevin Whelan, gastrointestinal dietetics at King’s College London
- Dr. Sarah Berry, personalised nutrition science at King’s College London and ZOE
- Dr. Shilpa Ravella, gastroenterology and nutrition at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, with rural health practice in Hilo, Hawaii
Browse the full dietitian and nutritionist directory for more specialists.
What Dr. Tim Spector Does And Does Not Offer
This specialist does not offer individual consultations. Dr. Tim Spector works in research, teaching and public health nutrition. Dr. Tim Spector, formerly a consultant rheumatologist, now working in research, writing and public health rather than clinical practice. Research, teaching and media enquiries go to King’s College London and ZOE 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.
What People Ask About Dr. Tim Spector
Does Dr. Tim Spector see patients?
No. Dr. Tim Spector works in research, teaching and public health rather than individual consultations, and does not offer private appointments. For one to one dietary advice, see a registered dietitian or nutritionist licensed in your own country.
What did Dr. Tim Spector study?
Trained in medicine at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College, London. Full training details appear in the education section above.
What are the qualifications of Dr. Tim Spector?
Tim Spector, OBE, MD, FMedSci. Full credentials are listed above.
What position does Dr. Tim Spector hold?
Dr. Tim Spector is Professor of Genetic Epidemiology and Director of the TwinsUK Registry, based at King’s College London and ZOE.
What is Gut Microbiome Nutrition?
Gut Microbiome Nutrition is the area of nutrition science concerned with genetic epidemiology, the gut microbiome and nutrition. Specialists working in it, including Dr. Tim Spector, study how diet relates to health and translate those findings into guidance.
Has Dr. Tim Spector received professional recognition?
Yes. Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his work on the COVID Symptom Study. Further awards and distinctions are listed above.
Source References For Dr. Tim Spector
Review Status Of This Dr. Tim Spector Profile
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.
Update note: Previously a consultant rheumatologist before moving into genetic epidemiology in 1992.
Found something out of date? Contact the Find MD Health editorial team and we will review the entry.
Notice To Readers Of The Dr. Tim Spector 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.
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