Professional Summary
Dr. Christopher Kotarsky, PhD, CSCS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise Science, and Nutrition Sciences. His research focuses on the age- and inactivity-related decline in muscle mass and strength (i.e., sarcopenia and dynapenia), with a focus on sedentary, undernourished, and overweight/obese populations, as well as cardiometabolic health in athletic and general populations. This work addresses critical public health challenges, including the rising prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Dr. Kotarsky’s research explores how declines in muscle quality impact functional independence in aging populations and how dietary and exercise interventions can mitigate these effects. His doctoral research, funded by an NIH Pilot Grant through the University of Nebraska Medical Center Great Plains IDeA-CTR, examined time-restricted eating (TRE) combined with exercise training. Published in Physiological Reports, this study demonstrated that an eight-week TRE intervention reduced fat mass and increased lean mass in physically inactive, overweight, and obese adults.
Currently, Dr. Kotarsky’s work investigates the role of dietary protein, including animal- versus plant-based, in optimizing muscle health, metabolic function, and athletic performance. His recent publications include:
- • A study in Nutrients exploring plant-based dietary protein and metabolic syndrome risk in Division III female athletes.
- • Research in The Journal of Clinical Hypertension on dyslipidemia’s impact on cardiometabolic health in young adults.
- • Findings in Physiological Reports on SSRI use and cardiometabolic outcomes in healthy populations.
Education
PhD: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2020 (Exercise Science and Nutrition)
MS: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2016 (Exercise Science and Nutrition)
BS: The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 2014 (Exercise Science, Fitness Management)
Other Information
For a full summary of my professional work, including publications, please view my Curriculum Vitae (4.25.25)
For the latest updates on my scholarly activities and projects, you may visit my other professional profiles: Chris Kotarsky,
Contact Information
Health Sciences Building
3225 Eden Avenue
Cincinnati
Ohio, 45267-0394
Phone: (513) 558-7477
kotarscr@ucmail.uc.edu