I really wanted to hate this book. I picked it up exclusively to critique it from an informed perspective. I eat my words (and a high protein diet).
The fact that Dr. Attia is in fact a doctor means little to me, because so is Dr. Oz. Working in a professional area with niche specializations has inoculated me from taking the word of a generalist in an area where specialization exists. Going into this book, I expected broad, decisive conclusions with little to no real evidence to back it up. I did not expect a thoughtful exploration of the limits of the scientific method and double blind studies, or a deeply vulnerable reflection on the importance of finding things to live FOR, rather than pursuing health because of a fear of death.
Attia’s conclusions are at times indeed based on limited evidence, and he goes to great lengths to explain what evidence exists, what is lacking, and why he made the conclusions he did. He also spends a good deal of time discussing things he’s gotten wrong, and reminding readers that experimentation necessarily means that you’ll be wrong sometimes, and that’s GOOD – because that’s how you learn and do better. A timely message.
I will note that there are some critiques out there. One is that there is a focus on what the individual can do that might be understood as blaming individuals and ignoring broader societal issues that affect their health. I’m not sure I understand this – the book does not present itself as anything other than a self help book focusing on what the individual CAN do, depending on their personal priorities, interests, and capacity. Indeed, Attia’s main message is precisely that the current health care system is not set up to help you thrive into old age, so if you want to, you have to stop being passive about your health.
The other complaint is that he gets stuff wrong, which again, yes that makes sense. He acknowledges this as a necessary element of being proactive and trying to apply limited research and conclusions from homogenized research to an individual.
If you’re looking for a book that lays out the science (from a couple years ago) in an accessible but not patronizing way to jump start a health journey, this is a solid choice.