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David A. Kessler

Former head of the US Food and Drug Administration and chief science officer on the White House COVID response team. Author of 'Diet, Drugs and Dopamine'.

Top 10 podcasts with David A. Kessler

Ranked by the Snipd community
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264 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 38min

A Grand, Unified Theory of Why Americans Are So Unhealthy

David Kessler, former FDA commissioner and author of 'Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine,' teams up with Eric Topol, cardiologist and author of 'Super Agers.' They dive into America's alarming obesity epidemic, linking it to an industrialized food environment and chronic inflammation. The duo discusses the evolution of our food response, unveiling how ultra-processed foods sabotage health. Excitingly, they explore GLP-1 drugs as potential game changers in reversing these trends and fostering healthier lifestyles.
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57 snips
Jun 1, 2025 • 43min

177. Are Food Giants The New Big Tobacco?

In this discussion, Dr. David Kessler, former FDA commissioner and public health expert, tackles the obesity epidemic and the role of food giants resembling the tobacco industry's past. He delves into how ultra-processed foods create addiction, compares popular weight loss drugs, and emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of food manufacturers. Kessler argues for greater regulation and education to combat obesity, stressing that personal accountability and government action are essential in tackling this pressing health crisis.
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25 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 19min

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Override Our Biology?

David Kessler, former FDA commissioner and author of "Diet, Drugs and Dopamine," shares insights into GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. He discusses their surprising mechanisms in weight loss, how they influence appetite control by interacting with the brain, and the implications of obesity and processed foods. Kessler also highlights the complexities of maintaining weight and calls for a holistic approach to health that goes beyond pharmaceuticals, addressing food labeling and societal challenges surrounding eating behaviors.
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17 snips
May 13, 2025 • 44min

Why Donald Trump's medical records say more than he realizes

Dr. David Kessler, former FDA commissioner and senior science advisor to President Biden, joins to discuss the intriguing contradictions in Donald Trump's healthcare decisions. Kessler analyzes how Trump benefitted from federal medical advances yet implemented cuts that jeopardize those very systems. The conversation sheds light on the adverse effects of Trump's healthcare policies on vulnerable populations, alongside the critical role of government in medical progress. Kessler emphasizes the irony of enjoying healthcare improvements while attacking the institutions that provide them.
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15 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 38min

Trump’s Mortgage Attacks and Kessler on Weight Loss

David Kessler, the former head of the FDA and author of "Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine," dives into how GLP-1 drugs are revolutionizing weight management. He discusses the failures of traditional diets and the need for a comprehensive approach to health that considers psychological factors. Kessler also reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on health and underscores the connection between obesity and chronic diseases. In a political twist, there's a heated discussion about Trump's controversial mortgage fraud claims and their implications.
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12 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 48min

Epsiode 233: Dr. David Kessler - Diet, Drugs and Dopamine

Dr. David Kessler, a renowned pediatrician and former FDA Commissioner, discusses the intricate world of food addiction. He highlights how hyper-palatable foods act like addictive substances, reshaping our cravings and eating behaviors. The conversation covers the role of GLP-1 medications in altering perceptions of hunger and fullness, while addressing stigma associated with food addiction. Kessler also shares his personal journey with weight regain and emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach in understanding and managing food-related issues.
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7 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 41min

David Kessler on Why Junk Food Is America’s Nicotine

David Kessler, former FDA Commissioner and author of 'Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine', shares insights on the alarming parallels between junk food and nicotine. He argues for reclassifying refined carbohydrates due to their addictive nature, explaining how ultra-processed foods function more like narcotics than nourishment. Kessler discusses the transformative potential of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and how society’s health challenges mirror those of past tobacco use. His call to action urges a reevaluation of food safety standards in light of growing health concerns.
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Jul 21, 2025 • 38min

Visceral Fat and the Chronic Health Epidemic

David Kessler, former FDA commissioner and author, dives deep into the crisis of visceral fat and its role in chronic health issues. He argues that ultra-processed foods are harming our biology and that addiction to these foods is misunderstood. Kessler shares his personal struggles with weight, stressing the importance of targeted dietary strategies like ketogenic diets. The conversation critiques current dietary guidelines, reveals the connection between metabolism and mental health, and warns that GLP-1 drugs are merely a short-term fix.
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Jun 3, 2025 • 56min

More Fatal Attacks in Gaza

Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, shares her insights on empathetic leadership during crises. Janti Soeripto, CEO of Save the Children US, discusses the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the need for accessible aid amid conflict. David Kessler addresses America's obesity crisis and the role of pharmaceuticals in weight management. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the effects of socioeconomic struggles on leadership, and the pressing need for effective health interventions.
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Apr 1, 2020 • 1h 12min

The Real Reason For America’s Obesity Crisis And Chronic Disease Epidemic with Dr. David Kessler

In this discussion, Dr. David Kessler, former commissioner of the FDA and renowned pediatrician, reveals alarming stats about America’s health crisis—with only 12% of the population deemed metabolically healthy. He breaks down the difference between fast and slow carbs and how processed foods fuel obesity and chronic diseases. Kessler emphasizes the need for clearer food labeling and a shift towards whole foods. He also introduces a practical 10-Day Reset system to help listeners tackle unhealthy eating habits and reclaim their health.

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