The Peter Attia Drive

Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins professor and COVID-19 expert, joins ZDoggMD, a UCSF/Stanford internist and founder of Turntable Health, for a deep dive into the current state of the pandemic. They discuss the dangers of misinformation and the often polarizing health policies, including vaccine mandates and the role of natural immunity. Their insights compare the Omicron variant to Delta, reveal the impact of COVID on children's development, and emphasize the need for transparency in public health messaging. Their engaging dialogue seeks clarity in these turbulent times.

Iñigo San Millán, an exercise physiology expert and cycling coach, dives into the fascinating world of mitochondrial function and metabolic health. He unpacks the significance of zone 2 training as a powerful diagnostic tool and treatment method. The conversation explores energy systems and the misunderstood role of lactate as a fuel source. With insights into assessing metabolic health through blood lactate levels, Iñigo also highlights the differences in performance between elite athletes and those with metabolic conditions, making the science both relatable and actionable.

In this engaging AMA, the hosts tackle the intricacies of scientific studies. They demystify how studies evolve from idea to execution, explaining various types like observational and experimental. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing biases and pitfalls in research. Listeners learn about clinical trial phases, risk assessments, and how to distinguish between relative and absolute risk. Personal insights on effective reading strategies for scientific papers make this a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of research.

Sam Apple, author of "Ravenous" and a science instructor at Johns Hopkins, dives into the life of Otto Warburg, a Nobel laureate who explored cancer metabolism. Apple discusses the Warburg Effect, revealing how cancer cells favor fermentation of glucose over oxygen utilization, a radical shift in understanding cancer. He also unravels Warburg’s complex life amidst Nazi Germany and how his research was initially overlooked but regained relevance. The talk also touches on the links between sugar, insulin, and cancer prevention.

In this engaging discussion, Patrick Radden Keefe, an award-winning writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Empire of Pain,' dives deep into the opioid crisis. He uncovers the Sackler family's pivotal role in promoting OxyContin, revealing shocking stories of corruption in the pharmaceutical industry. The conversation touches on the FDA's controversial approval process, the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers, and the urgent need for accountability. Keefe also emphasizes the ongoing challenges of addiction recovery and the complex web of factors influencing pain management.

Allan Sniderman, a leading Professor of Cardiology at McGill University, discusses the merits of using apoB as a more reliable metric for assessing cardiovascular disease risk. He critiques the conventional risk assessment models and their limitations, especially for younger individuals. The conversation covers the complexities of cholesterol, the significance of particle counts, and the importance of nuanced risk evaluations. Allan also emphasizes early intervention and raises concerns about the lack of innovation in current medical practices surrounding cardiovascular health.

Rick Johnson, a nephrology professor at the University of Colorado, delves into the metabolic effects of fructose on health. He reveals how fructose ties into blood pressure regulation and discusses its impact on insulin resistance and obesity. Johnson contrasts glucose and fructose, shares insights on uric acid's role in health, and explores the implications of fructose in modern diets. Artificial sweeteners vs. real sugar also come under scrutiny, alongside innovative pharmacotherapy strategies for treating related health issues.

In an engaging AMA, the discussion dives into GLP-1 agonists and their emerging role in treating obesity. The hosts explore the exciting discovery of these peptides and their physiological impact. Highlighting a groundbreaking study, they share remarkable weight loss results from semaglutide injections. Additionally, they compare these findings to various lifestyle interventions, scrutinizing their effectiveness. The dialogue is filled with insights into the incretin effect and the future potential of these innovative drugs.

James Clear, author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, dives into the science of habit formation and behavior change. He discusses how genetics, environment, and social circles influence our habits. Clear shares his “Four Laws of Behavioral Change” and emphasizes the importance of aligning habits with self-identity for lasting change. He highlights the role of immediate feedback and encourages setting systems over goals, along with the power of small actions, like the Two-Minute Rule, in building meaningful habits.

David Nutt, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist from Downing College, Cambridge, dives deep into the complexities of illicit drugs. He discusses the misalignment between drug regulation and actual harm, contrasting traditional substances like alcohol and cocaine with psychedelics, which have lower risks and therapeutic potential. Nutt explores the promise of psychedelics like MDMA and psilocybin for mental health treatment and the political hurdles inhibiting research. His insights shed light on addiction, the opioid crisis, and the pressing need for reevaluated drug policies.