Dr. Steven Heymsfield and Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk Rank Among the World's Most Influential Researchers

Pennington Biomedical Research Center's Dr. Steven Heymsfield and Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk are among the most influential researchers in the world who demonstrate significant and broad influence in their fields, according to Clarivate Analytics' 2024 List of Highly Cited Researchers.

This honor highlights researchers whose work has had significant global influence, as evidenced by their exceptional citation records in leading scientific publications. The 2024 Highly Cited Researchers hail from more than 1,200 institutions in 59 nations and regions.

The Highly Cited Researchers list, compiled annually by Clarivate Analytics, identifies scientists who are among the top 1 percent of researchers in their field, as measured by citations in the Web of Science database during the period from 2013 to 2023.

"Pennington Biomedical is home to all-star researchers known worldwide, and this recognition for Dr. Heymsfield and Dr. Katzmarzyk shows the impact they are having in the field of obesity and nutrition research," said Dr. John Kirwan, Pennington Biomedical Executive Director. "We congratulate them both for this recognition and all of Louisiana and Baton Rouge can be proud that they are conducting their world-renowned research here at Pennington Biomedical."

Dr. Heymsfield and Dr. Katzmarzyk are internationally recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to obesity research, physical activity, and public health.

Steven Heymsfield, M.D., Professor of Metabolism & Body Composition, has an h-index of 141. He is listed on 1,314 publications that have been cited close to 80,000 times. His most cited paper, "Epidemiology of sarcopenia among the elderly in New Mexico," published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, has been cited more than 2,800 times.

"This achievement reflects not just individual recognition, but the incredible support and collaboration of everyone at Pennington Biomedical," Dr. Heymsfield said. "Conducting impactful and high-quality research requires not only dedication but also access to outstanding facilities, resources, and a thriving scientific community—qualities exemplified at Pennington Biomedical. I am grateful to be part of an institution that fosters innovation and excellence in research, enabling us to address critical challenges in health and nutrition on a global scale."

Peter Katzmarzyk, Ph.D., Associate Executive Director for Population and Public Health Sciences; Professor; and Marie Edana Corcoran Endowed Chair in Pediatric Obesity and Diabetes, has an h-index of 100. He is listed on 587 publications that have been cited more than 45,000 times. His paper, "Effect of Physical Inactivity on Major Non-Communicable Diseases Worldwide: An Analysis of Burden of Disease and Life Expectancy," published in Lancet, has been cited more than 5,400 times.

"Being named among the world's highly cited researchers is both an honor and a reflection of the impact our work is making on global health," Katzmarzyk said. "This recognition underscores the importance of addressing critical issues like physical inactivity, obesity, and chronic disease to improve lives worldwide."

The 2024 Highly Cited Researchers list features 3,560 Highly Cited Researcher awards in 20 fields, with an additional 3,326 recognitions for outstanding performance in multiple fields (cross-field).

"The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at Pennington Biomedical whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community. Their pioneering innovations contribute to a healthier, more sustainable and secure world. These researchers' achievements strengthen the foundation of excellence and innovation that drives societal progress," said David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate.

About the Pennington Biomedical Research Center

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center is at the forefront of medical discovery as it relates to understanding the triggers of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Pennington Biomedical has the vision to lead the world in promoting metabolic health and eliminating metabolic disease through scientific discoveries that create solutions from cells to society. The center conducts basic, clinical, and population research, and is a campus in the LSU System.

The research enterprise at Pennington Biomedical includes over 530 employees within a network of 44 clinics and research laboratories, and 13 highly specialized core service facilities. Its scientists and physician/scientists are supported by research trainees, lab technicians, nurses, dietitians, and other support personnel. Pennington Biomedical is a globally recognized state-of-the-art research institution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

For more information, see www.pbrc.edu.

Provided by Louisiana State University