Tim Spector


Timothy David Spector, FMedSci, is a British epidemiologist and science writer.

Biography

Spector is professor of genetic epidemiology and director of the TwinsUK registry at King's College, London. He is a specialist in twin studies, genetics, epigenetics, and microbiome and diet.

The Diet Myth

Spector authored The Diet Myth: The Real Science Behind What We Eat in 2015. The book explains how gut microbiotas interact with different dietary habits and how the gut microbiome can determine health and longevity. It received positive reviews in science journals. Spector argues for a diet that increases gut microbe diversity. To do this he recommends increasing fibre content, avoiding junk and processed foods and experimenting with different fresh foods.
Spector has argued against low-fat and fad diets. He recommends a varied high-fibre Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of nuts and vegetables.

Selected publications