Dr Asya Barutcu

PhD, AFHEA

  • Technical Tutor in Anatomy and Exercise Physiology

Asya graduated from the University of East London in 2012 with a BSc in Fitness and Health. She then came to Loughborough University to complete her MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition. After her MSc, she worked in the SSEHS as a technician before starting her PhD studies. Asya completed her PhD, titled “The effects of exercise on appetite and energy intake” under the supervision of Dr Lewis James and Dr Gemma Witcomb in 2019. Whilst Asya was undertaking her PhD, she gained varied teaching experience and co-supervised students, which resulted in her successfully gaining the Associate Fellow status of the Higher Education Academy. Having held both technical and teaching positions in the SSEHS, Asya is highly experienced in supporting a number of modules.

Asya currently works as a Technical Tutor in Anatomy and Exercise Physiology, teaching various undergraduate and postgraduate laboratory practicals.

In addition to her teaching position, Asya is the Co-Chair of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisory Forum at the University (both Loughborough and London campuses).

Asya’s research interests include any discipline that recognizes exercise as medicine. More specifically, she’s interested in exercise and obesity research, chronic disease prevention and physical activity. She’s also a keen supporter of the doctoral researchers in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, and runs a Journal Club as well as a Phlebotomy Club to improve students’ skills.

Asya works as a health and wellbeing coach for the NHS low-calorie diet programme and leads a 12-month community intervention programme with the purpose of reaching diabetes remission.

Featured publications

  • Barutcu, A. et al. (2021) ‘Planned morning aerobic exercise in a fasted state increases energy intake in the preceding 24 hours’, European Journal of Nutrition (published online on 23 February 2021).
  • Barutcu, A. et al. (2020) ‘Planned Aerobic Exercise Increases Energy Intake at the Preceding Meal’, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise52, pp. 968–975.
  • Barutcu, A., Witcomb, G. L. and James, L. J. (2019) ‘Anticipation of aerobic exercise increases planned energy intake for a post-exercise meal’, Appetite138, pp. 198–203.