Dr Federica Amati – Nutrition Scientist, Educator and Author
Federica Amati is a highly respected medical scientist, author, and public health nutritionist who has made her mark in both academia and the wider field of nutritional science. With a career that spans research, clinical medicine, communications, and public engagement, she has become one of the most recognisable voices in evidence-based nutrition in the United Kingdom and beyond. She combines scientific expertise with the ability to communicate complex health topics to the public, making nutrition accessible and practical for people from all walks of life.
Born in May 1987 in Rome, Italy, Dr Amati grew up with an appreciation for science and health. Today, she stands as a role model for aspiring scientists and nutritionists, working at the intersection of clinical research, public health, and education. She currently serves as Head Nutritionist at ZOE, Nutrition Lead at Imperial College School of Medicine, and Medical Scientist at WellFounded Health, while also contributing to research through her work with the WHO Collaborating Centre and the NIHR ARC research group.
Early Life and Background
Federica Amati was born and raised in Rome, Italy, before moving to the United Kingdom to pursue her higher education. Her multicultural background and exposure to different traditions around food and health gave her a unique perspective on nutrition. This early influence laid the foundation for her career in nutrition science, where she now combines her personal experiences with academic expertise.
Dr Federica Amati Education
Education has been central to the achievements of Federica Amati, and her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to scientific excellence. She has earned multiple degrees across prestigious institutions:
Undergraduate Studies
-
BSc Honours in Biological and Biomedical Sciences
-
University of Edinburgh
-
Specialisation in Endocrine Pharmacology
-
This foundation in biomedical science gave her an understanding of the human body, biology, and the role of pharmacology in health.
-
Postgraduate Training
-
MSc in Nutrition for Global Health
-
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
-
Here, Federica explored the links between nutrition, global health challenges, and public health interventions.
-
-
MPH (Master of Public Health)
-
Imperial College London
-
This degree expanded her expertise into public health policy and the role of nutrition in preventing disease on a population level.
-
Doctoral Research
-
PhD in Medical Science (Clinical Medicine Research)
-
Imperial College London, Department of Primary Care & Public Health
-
Her PhD research cemented her role as a medical scientist, where she focused on areas that continue to influence her academic and professional work today.
-
Professional Accreditation
-
Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) with the Association for Nutrition (AfN)
-
Recognition as a public health nutritionist ensures her work meets the highest standards of evidence-based practice.
-
Her diverse academic background across biomedical sciences, nutrition, and public health equips her with a unique skill set that bridges the gap between science and real-world application.
Professional Career
Head Nutritionist at ZOE
Since April 2023, Dr Amati has worked as Head Nutritionist and Global Head of Communications at ZOE, the renowned science-based company that runs the ZOE Health Study and app. In this role, she leads nutrition strategy, ensures the scientific accuracy of content, and communicates nutrition insights to a global audience. Her expertise helps people understand how food impacts health, gut microbiome function, and overall wellbeing.
Nutrition Lead at Imperial College School of Medicine
As Nutrition Lead within the Lifestyle Medicine and Prevention team at Imperial College London, Dr Amati is responsible for shaping and delivering nutrition education for medical students. She advocates strongly for embedding nutrition science into medical training, ensuring future doctors can give evidence-based dietary advice to patients.
Research Fellow at Imperial College London
Since September 2020, she has also served as a Research Fellow in Primary Care and Public Health at Imperial College. Here she works with leading researchers and contributes to large-scale studies in nutrition and preventive medicine.
Work with WHO and NIHR
Her research extends further through her work with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Education and Training and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC). These roles demonstrate her commitment to advancing public health through evidence-based interventions at both national and international levels.
Previous Roles
Before establishing herself fully in research and nutrition science, Dr Amati gained experience in communications and marketing. She worked at ITV in corporate communications and was Head of Communications at LDV Hospitality in New York. These roles honed her skills in engaging diverse audiences—skills she now applies to her science communication work.
Contributions as an Author and Educator
Author
Dr Amati is the author of the Sunday Times Bestseller Every Body Should Know This (EBSKT), a book that breaks down nutrition science into practical advice for everyday life. The book covers topics such as gut health, the impact of ultra-processed foods, and how nutrition changes across life stages.
Educator and Speaker
She is also an accomplished speaker, regularly invited to conferences, podcasts, and workshops. Her ability to explain scientific research in relatable terms has made her a trusted voice in nutrition communication.
Research Interests
Federica Amati’s research interests are wide-ranging, but key areas include:
-
The role of diet in gut microbiome health
-
Women’s health and nutrition across different life stages
-
Infant and maternal nutrition
-
The impact of ultra-processed foods on health
-
Public health strategies to integrate nutrition into healthcare systems
Her published work, teaching, and media appearances highlight these focus areas, and she remains committed to raising awareness of how nutrition impacts health throughout life.
Personal Life
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr Federica Amati husband is Paul Sculfor, a British male model and media personality. The couple married in 2016, and media reports confirm that they have children, including at least two daughters. While Dr Amati is deeply dedicated to her career, she is also committed to family life, often sharing insights into balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
Her marriage to Paul Sculfor brought her some media attention beyond the academic world, but she continues to focus her public presence on health, nutrition, and science education.
Social Media Presence
Her Instagram account, @dr.fede.amati, has gained a strong following with more than 83,000 followers. She uses the platform to share nutrition tips, promote evidence-based dietary habits, and engage with the public. Her background in communications makes her especially effective at reaching diverse audiences online.
Awards and Recognition
-
Recognition as a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr) by the Association for Nutrition
-
Bestseller status for her book Every Body Should Know This
-
Invitations to speak at leading conferences and public health forums
-
Trusted voice in UK media on nutrition and lifestyle medicine
Legacy and Impact
Federica Amati exemplifies the modern nutrition scientist—combining rigorous academic training with the ability to connect with the public. She bridges the gap between science and practice, helping individuals make informed choices about their health while contributing to global research on nutrition and disease prevention.
Her influence spans medical education, public health policy, and everyday health awareness, positioning her as one of the most impactful figures in nutrition science today.
Conclusion
Dr Federica Amati represents the perfect blend of scientific rigour, public engagement, and dedication to health improvement. From her education at leading universities to her current leadership roles at ZOE and Imperial College London, she has consistently advanced the field of nutrition science. Her role as an author and speaker further expands her reach, allowing her to educate and inspire countless people around the world.
With her continuing research, public health contributions, and advocacy for evidence-based nutrition, Dr Federica Amati will remain a central figure in shaping the way society understands food, health, and wellbeing.
