Overview

Almost one in three Australians struggles with obesity and its related health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. It affects life expectancy and quality of life, and yet for decades medical bias and societal pressure have left many feeling judged, confused and often left behind. Now former US Food and Drug Administration commissioner David A. Kessler urges us to see obesity in a new light. He explains how processed food has changed our brain chemistry, creating both an addiction to highly rewarding foods and compulsive cravings that cause us to eat more. But this change doesn’t have to be permanent. Illuminating cutting-edge research on the many factors that influence weight—from neuroscience to nutrition—Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine outlines what we can learn from addiction science to change our relationship with food and free ourselves from the lifelong battle. Kessler offers a clear-eyed view of the recent, much-publicised medications promoted as a solution to obesity, and a critical examination of this new class of drugs. Eye-opening, provocative, and empowering, Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine is a must-read for anyone who has ever struggled with their body weight—which is to say, everyone.

Full Product Details

9781923058590

Table of Contents

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 *

‘A great read! Really excellent stuff. Kessler brilliantly walks the tightrope between the hype and the criticism around the new weight loss drugs—weaving personal stories with superbly accessible science. An important and illuminating book.’ * Chris van Tulleken, author of Ultra-Processed People * ‘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 * ‘A beautifully rendered and illuminating exploration of the disease of obesity that will change not only how we understand our health but also how we understand one another.’ * Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies * ’His book invites readers to lay down their assumptions and be open to new ways of thinking about obesity… what he says is compelling – but the real question is what each of us chooses to do about it.’ * The Conversation *

Author Information

David A. Kessler, M.D., served as commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration under presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton. He is a paediatrician and has been the dean of the medical schools at Yale and the University of California. He is the father of two and lives with his wife in Washington, DC.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available