| Rachel Brown | |
| Nationality: | New Zealand |
| Fields: | Human nutrition |
| Workplaces: | University of Otago |
| Alma Mater: | University of Otago |
| Doctoral Students: | Lisa Te Morenga[1] |
| Known For: | Nut and health, obesity and weight loss, sports nutrition |
Rachel C. Brown (born 1970) is a New Zealand scientist, professor and deputy head of the Department of Human Nutrition at the University of Otago.
Born in 1970,[2] Brown completed a BSc, MSc and PhD (1999) at the University of Otago and joined the university's staff.[3] In December 2019 she, along with two of her colleagues Lisa Houghton and Caroline Horwath, was promoted to full professor with effect from 1 February 2020.[4]
Her research has focused on the dietary benefits of consuming nuts and nutrition for sports people. Her recent studies have compared popular diets—intermittent fasting, Paleolithic and Mediterranean—in a weight-loss trial; looked at the science behind nut activation; and risk of eating disorders among rugby union players as a result of poor body image. Her teaching is in obesity and its effect on heart disease.
Notable students of Brown's include Professor Lisa Te Morenga.[5]