Dr Anthony Villani is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Senior Lecturer in nutrition and dietetics in the School of Health at UniSC. Anthony is also a council member and president-elect for the Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR). He is a member of Dietitians Australia and the Nutrition Society of Australia. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has expertise in designing and delivering tertiary-based curriculum using a variety of teaching and learning methodologies.
Professional Memberships
- Australian and New Zealand Society for Sarcopenia and Frailty Research (ANZSSFR)
- Dietitians Australia (DA)
- Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA)
Anthony’s research expertise includes nutrition and exercise to support musculoskeletal health and physical function in older adults (sarcopenia and frailty) and the implementation and adherence to a Mediterranean diet, focusing on a broad range of health outcomes across the lifespan.
Anthony engages in the transfer of scientific knowledge through the design and delivery of high-quality research projects, including clinical trials, and successfully leads and collaborates in research teams, both nationally and internationally. His research skills and expertise include the design and delivery of Mediterranean diet interventions, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), body composition assessment, assessment of physical function and strength in older adults, dietary assessment methodologies and adherence tools, systematic reviews, quantitative and qualitative research and the design / implementation of clinical trials.
Research Grants
| Project name | Investigators | Funding Body | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficacy of a Mediterranean diet on hormonal, metabolic and anthropometric profiles in overweight and obese women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Villani A, Mantzioris E, Moran L. | National Health Medical Research Council, Centre for Research Excellence in Women’s Health in Reproductive Life (WHiRL) $16,595 | 2020-2022 |
| Efficacy of a Mediterranean diet on fertility and reproductive outcomes in subfertile couples seeking IVF treatment (the MEDPREP study) | Villani A, Mantzioris E, Moran L. | National Health Medical Research Council, Centre for Research Excellence Health in Preconception and Pregnancy (HiPP) $11,415 | 2021-2023 |
Research areas
- Identification of sarcopenia and frailty in nutritionally vulnerable older adults
- Functional decline in older adults
- Skeletal muscle health and ageing
- body composition assessment
- Nutrition and healthy ageing
- Mediterranean Diets: application towards healthy ageing and disease prevention
Anthony coordinates and teaches several courses in the Bachelor of Dietetics and Bachelor of Nutrition at UniSC. He is also the Honours coordinator for the Health Sciences in the School of Health.
Anthony has had a sustained and positive influence on undergraduate students undertaking the Honours pathway at UniSC, resulting in several awards of Class 1A Honours and progressions to PhD.
Anthony is always happy to talk to prospective students looking to undertake an Honours, Masters or PhD degree in the area of nutrition and exercise for healthy ageing or the implementation of a Mediterranean diet.
Teaching areas
- NUT110 Introduction to Dietetics
- NUT202 Nutrition Assessment
- NUT212 Principles of Nutrition
- NUT401 Nutrition and Dietetics Research and Evaluation (Semester 2 only)
Program coordinator
Dr Villani is happy to provide media commentary in topics related to nutrition and physical activity to support healthy ageing and Mediterranean diets.
In the news
Mediterranean diet linked to reduced anxiety: research findings
17 May 2024Consuming more nuts, fruit and legumes and fewer sugary drinks may help people aged over 60 feel less anxious and stressed, according to research led by the University of the Sunshine Coast