Dr. James Hill

Jim has been an academic leader for over 40 years, making major contributions to our understanding of nutrition, exercise science, weight management, and wellness.  He is recognized as one of the top experts in the world in these areas, has published over 650 scientific papers, and has managed hundreds of million dollars of federally funded research projects. 

Senior Advisor

Jim has been an academic leader for over 40 years, making major contributions to our understanding of nutrition, exercise science, weight management, and wellness.  He is recognized as one of the top experts in the world in these areas, has published over 650 scientific papers, and has managed hundreds of million dollars of federally funded research projects.  Because of his work in these areas, he has received many scientific recognitions including his election to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine.  

While holding major leadership positions within academia, including serving as a director of multiple federally funded research centers and as a department chair, Jim planned and successfully executed numerous strategic initiatives. At the University of Colorado, he helped raise over 35 million dollars to build a wellness center facility that became a national model for academic wellness centers.

Jim has consulted with many of the largest global companies in the areas of food & beverages, physical activity, weight management and pharma. He helped PepsiCo develop criteria for their “Smart Spot” marketing of health food and beverage items. He also has served on advisory boards for several food companies, including General Mills and McDonalds helping them develop strategies for promoting healthier foods. He has been an active advisor with numerous weight management enterprises including WeightWatchers, Jenny Craig, and Nutrisystems, and he has worked with the McCormick Science Institute studying the impact of spices on human health. Jim has also advised several tech start-ups in the areas of nutrition and weight management including North Castle Partners. In addition, he has consulted with many US government agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture. He has advised mayors, governors, and US legislators. Internationally, he has leveraged his expertise with government agencies in various countries, including China, Australia, Denmark, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Jim has a passion for translating scientific discoveries into approaches and products that positively impact people’s lives. In this regard, he is an advocate for bringing academia, industry, and government together to address “big” problems of society, such as obesity. He has used his contacts in industry and government to organize or help organize many projects that brought these groups together to address problems including national initiatives that have been supported by all three sectors. One of these is the national non-profit “America on The Move” that is helping prevent weight gain through small lifestyle changes. This program has reached over 3 million people to date. Jim believes that only through this type of collaboration can we address our important societal issues.

Jim has written three books on weight management for the public and lectures frequently to both scientific and lay audiences on this issue. He has a Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology from the University of New Hampshire.