Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine
The New Science of Achieving a Healthy Weight
On behalf of: Kathy Robbins - The Robbins Office, Inc.
More and more of us are struggling with our weight–and as Dr. David Kessler, a physician and former head of the US Food and Drug Administration, shows, it’s not our fault. Given our biology and our modern food environment, it’s more the wonder that we don’t put weight on.
In Diet, Drugs and Dopamine, Kessler unpacks the mystery of weight, sharing new evidence that obesity is not just a disease of the body, but also one of the brain. The problem, as he explains, is the addictiveness of ultra-formulated foods, which change our brain chemistry, creating compulsive cravings and effectively robbing us of the ability to feel full. Losing weight is a process of treating addiction.
As someone who has himself battled with weight, Kessler trials the new class of weight loss drugs and brings his unique perspective to evaluate their impact. These drugs have provided a breakthrough. But they also have real disadvantages and can pose serious risks.
In this landmark book, Kessler gives us the tools to unplug the brain’s addictive wiring and change our relationship with food. Provocative and empowering, it is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled to maintain a healthy body weight – which is to say, everyone.
Reviews
“Who could be better suited and more trustworthy than former FDA commissioner Dr. David A. Kessler to doggedly sort through the scientific evidence, cut through the hype, and bring us to a better understanding of our own body weight? Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine is eye-opening, beautifully crafted, full of practical insights, and a great read.”
—Abraham Verghese, New York Times bestselling author of The Covenant of Water
“A brilliant and incisive examination of one of our country’s most vexing health challenges. Dr. Kessler’s sharp scientific analysis cuts through the fog of confusion surrounding weight loss and offers a practical, sustainable pathway to better health. It is no surprise he is one of the great medical and public health leaders of our time.”
—Vivek H. Murthy, MD, 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States and New York Times bestselling author of Together
“Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine is a tour de force and reflects a clarity of thinking on many controversial issues from food restricting to intuitive eating, body positivity to toxic fat, and GLP-1 agonists as a possible revolutionary tool to combat obesity. There’s even a section on menopause! This book is the definitive scientific source on food addiction.”
—Anna Lembke, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Dopamine Nation
“Dr. Kessler forensically dissects the weighty topic of obesity for all to understand. This is fascinating and essential reading for all.”
—VADM (Ret) Richard Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States