Dr James King

James studied for his undergraduate degree (BSc) in Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, graduating in 2007. James’ time at Loughborough then continued as he went on to complete a PhD in Exercise Physiology, focusing on the interaction between exercise and the neuroendocrine regulation of appetite & energy balance.

In November 2010, James commenced his post-doctoral research in the Exercise, Inflammation & Metabolism research group at Loughborough, during which time he contributed to the application which brought a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit (Diet, Lifestyle & Physical Activity) to the University. During the first three years of this award, James worked as a Senior Research Associate across several research areas relating to exercise and its contribution to the management of chronic metabolic disease, particularly type 2 diabetes and obesity-related liver disease.

James is currently a Reader in Clinical Exercise Science within the School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, and his research continues to investigate the role of lifestyle (exercise and diet) in the development and management of obesity and obesity-related disease.

James' research interests focus on the interaction between exercise and diet with energy balance and obesity-related disease.

James is currently undertaking research in the following areas:

• Exercise as a therapeutic strategy in patients with obesity-related liver disease and type 2 diabetes
• Drug-lifestyle interaction in the context of obesity-related disease
• Appetite control, energy balance, obesity and weight management
• Bespoke workplace interventions targeting risk factors for chronic metabolic disease (e.g. sedentary behaviour, physical inactivity, poor diet)

Successful Grants

• Davies MJ, Aithal GP, Papamargaritis D, Herring L, King JA. NIHR Liver Partnership – The Midlands Liver Research Alliance. NIHR Partnership Award.
• Davies MJ, Khunti KK, Yates T, McCann G, Sargeant JA, King JA. Impact of exercise training in combination with Dapagliflozin on physical function in adults with T2DM: an RCT. Astra Zeneca.
• Esliger D, King JA. Food & football united – project scoping. Nuffield Health.
• King JA, Aithal GP, Davies MJ. Hepatokines as a novel mechanism linking type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Novo Nordisk.
• Clemes SA, King JA. Implementation of a health promotion training programme for HGV drivers within the UK logistics sector. The Colt Foundation.
• Tolfrey V, King JA. Weight management in adults with SCI: a co-produced approach. NIHR ARC – East Midlands.
• Tolfrey V, King JA. Protein supplementation for the potentiation of lean mass in SCI. Nutricia.
• Tolfrey V, King JA. Appetite control in spinal cord injury. Matt Hampson Foundation.
• King JA, Aithal GP, Davies MJ. The impact of T2DM and exercise on hepatic fat quality. Diabetes UK. Early Career Grant.
• Clemes S, King JA, Hamer M, Munir F, Yates TY, Gray LJ, Richardson G, Daly HC, Edwardson CL. A cluster randomised controlled trial to investigate the effectiveness and cost -effectiveness of a Structured Health Intervention For Truckers (The SHIFT Study). NIHR Public Health Research Grant.
• Davies MJ, Khunti K, Chatterjee S, Stensel DJ, King JA, Webb D.SGLT-2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin Effects on Appetite and Weight Regulation. Investigator Initiated Study -Boehringer Ingelheim.
• King JA, Nimmo MA. Knowledge Transfer Secondment - Physical Activity, Diet and Lifestyle in the Workplace. Enterprise Project Group (HEFCE)
• Stensel DJ, King JA. The influence of brisk walking on appetite and energy balance. The Ramblers Association.
• Davies MJ, Yates T, Sargeant JA, King JA, Baldry E, Smith A, Watson E, Gulsin G, Patsko E, Webb D, Khunti K, McCann G. Impact of exercise training in combination with Dapagliflozin on physical function in adults with T2DM: a randomized controlled trial. Astra Zeneca.

Associate Editor for the International Journal of Obesity.

Editorial Board Member or Nutrients.

Scientific advisor for the Nuffield Health Research Group.

Blood Collection Officer – UK Anti-Doping.

Select papers from the last two-years.

• Malaikah S, Willis SA, Henson J, Sargeant JA, Yates T, Thackray AE, Goltz F, Roberts M, Bodicoat D, Aithal GP, Stensel DJ, King JA. Associations of objectively measured physical activity, sedentary time and cardiorespiratory fitness with adipose tissue insulin resistance and ectopic fat. International Journal of Obesity. 2023. 47(10): 1000-10007.
• Engin B, Willis SA, Malaikah S, Sargeant JA, Biddle G, Razieh C, Argidou S, Edwardson CE, Stensel DJ, Henson J, Rowlands, AV, Davies MJ, Yates T, King JA. Sedentary time is independently associated with adipose tissue insulin resistance in adults with or at risk of type 2 diabetes. Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise. 55(9): 1548-1554.
• Willis SA, Malaikah S, Parry S, Bawden S, Ennequin G, Sargeant JA, Yates T, Webb D, Davies MJ, Stensel DJ, Aithal GP, King JA. The effect of acute and chronic exercise on hepatic lipid composition. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sport. 33(5): 550-568.
• Sherry A, Willis SA, Yates T, Johnson W, Razieh C, Sargeant J, Stensel DJ, Aithal GP, King JA. Physical activity is inversely associated with hepatic fibro-inflammation: a population-based cohort study using UK Biobank data. JHEP Reports. 2022. 5(1): 100622.
• Engin B, Willis, S, Malaikah S, Sargeant JA, Yates T, Gray LJ, Aithal GP, Stensel DJ, King JA. The effect of exercise training on adipose tissue insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews. 2022. 23(7): e13445.
• Willis SA, Bawden S, Malaikah S, Sargeant JA, Stensel DJ, Aithal GP, King JA. The role of liver fat composition in obesity-related metabolic disease. Liver International. 2021; 41(12): 2819-2835.