Robert H. Lustig M.D.

Director, Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health Program at UCSF Center for Obesity Assessment, Study, and Treatment

Dr. Robert Lustig is Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Lustig has become a leading public health authority on the impact sugar has on fueling the diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome epidemics, and on addressing changes in the food environment to reverse these chronic diseases.

In his New York Times best selling book Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processes Food, Obesity, and Disease, Robert documents both the science and the politics that have led to the current pandemic of obesity and chronic disease. In the Fat Chance Cookbook, Robert provides practical examples for applying healthy eating principles with recipes by Cindy Gershen.

Dr. Lustig is a neuroendocrinologist, with basic and clinical training relative to hypothalamic development, anatomy, and function. Prior to coming to San Francisco in 2001, he worked at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. There, he was charged with the endocrine care of many children whose hypothalami had been damaged by brain tumors, or subsequent surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Many patients who survived became massively obese. Dr. Lustig theorized that hypothalamic damage led to the inability to sense the hormone leptin, which in turn, led to the starvation response. Since repairing the hypothalamus was not an option, he looked downstream, and noted that these patients had increased activity of the vagus nerve (a manifestation of starvation) which increased insulin secretion. By administering the insulin suppressive agent octreotide, he was able to get them to lose weight; but more remarkably, they started to exercise spontaneously. He then demonstrated the same phenomenon in obese adults without CNS lesions.

The universality of these findings has enabled Dr. Lustig to weave these threads together into a novel unifying hypothesis regarding the etiology, prevention, and treatment of the current obesity epidemic, and the role of our environment in the biochemical changes that promote weight gain. This has led him to explore the specific role of fructose (half of sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup) as a specific mediator of both chronic disease, and continued caloric consumption. His acclaimed YouTube video, “Sugar: The Bitter Truth” continues its popularity with the lay public.

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Lustig went to Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan, graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1976, and received his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1980. He completed his pediatric residency at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in 1983, and his clinical fellowship at UCSF in 1984. From there, he spent six years as a post-doctoral fellow and research associate in neuroendocrinology at The Rockefeller University. He has also been a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Tennessee, Memphis. In 2013, Dr. Lustig received his Masters in the study of Law from University of California, Hastings to enable him to impact the food industry through policy change.

Dr. Lustig has authored 125 peer-reviewed articles and 73 reviews. He has mentored 20 pediatric endocrine fellows, and trained numerous other allied health professionals. He provides endocrinologic support to several protocols of the Children’s Oncology Group. He is the former Chairman of the Ad hoc Obesity Task Force of the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, a member of the Pediatric Obesity Practice Guidelines Subcommittee of The Endocrine Society, a member of the Obesity Task Force of the Endocrine Society, a member of the Pediatric Obesity Devices Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a member of the Bay Area Board of Directors of the American Heart Association, and a member of the Steering Committee of Health Foods, Healthy Kids of the Culinary Institute of America. He also consults for several childhood obesity advocacy groups.

The Hidden Truth About Ultra-Processed Food and Addiction: Amanda Leith and Esther Helga Discuss

Guests Amanda Leith  SHiFT, Recovery By Acorn and Esther Helga GuðmundsdóttirINFACT School both experienced the misery of obesity and countless failed diets—until they discovered their real problem: food addiction, a brain disease. Like many late-stage food addicts, they used food to cope with life, consuming far more food than their bodies needed. Once they recognized their addiction, they began abstinent food plans and recovery programs, shedding excess weight and doing the emotional work required to heal. Today, they live at healthy body weights and enjoy freedom from food addiction—one day at a time. Today, they devote their lives to helping others understand and recover from this illness.

Food addiction is a substance use disorder involving ultra-processed foods, similar to alcohol or drug addiction. Amanda and Esther assess clients using food use history and tools like the Yale Food Addiction Scale. Sugar—technically not a food but an additive—has over 260 names and is often hidden in products through deceptive labeling by food companies.

Many of their clients have tried everything to control their food use and/or lose weight, often arriving desperate and willing to try something new. At SHiFT, Amanda guides clients toward abstinence from addictive foods while addressing the emotional drivers behind food use. As cravings and withdrawal pass, clients gain relief from the addiction and obsessive food thoughts and learn to enjoy eating whole, nourishing foods.

Unlike drug or alcohol addiction, we cannot abstain from food entirely, which makes food addiction more complex. Yet the solution lies in abstaining from addictive foods and engaging in emotional recovery work.

Phil Werdellwebsite, a pioneer in the field, greatly influenced Amanda and Esther. His teachings on powerlessness and denial are foundational to their treatment approach, and they credit him for shaping their understanding and protocols.

Amanda explains the difference between emotional eating and true food addiction in this episode. While emotional eaters may recover through therapy alone, food addicts must first remove addictive substances and engage in structured recovery with support. At SHiFT, Recovery By Acorn, food and emotional issues are treated concurrently.

With chronic disease and metabolic dysfunction at crisis levels—primarily driven by poor nutrition, food addiction, and obesity—Esther Helga argues that food companies knowingly exploit this addiction for profit.

The International Food Addiction Conference will hold its second event in London, September 4–5, 2025, highlighting food addiction and its comorbidities. At the 2024 London conference, an influential group of professionals reached a Consensus:   Ultra-Processed Food is a Substance Use Disorder.   Advocacy continues to classify food addiction within the ICD (World Health Organization) and the DSM (American Psychiatric Association), paving the way for insurance coverage of treatment.

Don’t miss this powerful episode as we explore food addiction—its root causes, and the hope of recovery.

Listen now!

Proudly sponsored by:

✨ SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn
Helping people heal from food addiction for over 30 years, SHiFT’s 12-week program and alumni support network offer effective, compassionate care. Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today at foodaddiction.com or call 941-378-2122.

✨ Milestones in Recovery
Located in southeast Florida, Milestones offers residential and outpatient treatment for eating disorders and food addiction, with most insurance plans accepted. Learn more at milestonesprogram.org or call 1-800-347-2364.

We are excited to announce new training options for 2025—designed to offer even more flexibility, accessibility, and global reach for aspiring professionals in the field of food addiction recovery.

📅 Next Certification Cohort Begins:

  • September 19, 2025

🎓 What to Expect from the Program:

  • 170 hours of dynamic and interactive virtual learning
  • Access to our exclusive student platform filled with tools, community support, and essential resources
  • A complete package of comprehensive lectures, a detailed teaching manual, and downloadable course materials
  • Earn the prestigious Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) designation, recognized by the European Certification Board

Whether you're a clinician, counselor, or someone passionate about helping others recover from food addiction, this program is your next step toward making a meaningful impact.

💥 Let’s change lives—starting with yours.

Sign up today!

Our Sponsors

SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn

For over three decades, SHiFT: Recovery by Acorn has been a beacon for individuals struggling with food addiction, guiding countless people toward the freedom of a life without food dependency. As a trailblazer in the field of food addiction treatment, SHiFT commits to uplifting clients from the deep grips of food addiction through innovative and comprehensive treatment programs. Whether it's the fixation on food, weight concerns, or the physical and mental burdens of addiction, SHiFT understands these challenges and offers effective solutions. Their 12-week treatment program, supplemented by extensive alumni support, fosters a profound transformation in participants' relationship with food and their bodies. If you are ready to begin a new chapter in your life, free from food dependency, contact SHiFT to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. Visit their website at foodaddiction.com or call them at 941-378-2122.

Milestones in Recovery

Milestones in Recovery stands as a pivotal resource for individuals battling eating disorders and food addiction, offering both residential and outpatient treatment options. Nestled in the scenic region of southeast Florida, Milestones boasts a modern facility where highly skilled professionals deliver top-tier treatment and support. Patients receive tailored recovery plans that include guided nutritional counseling and strategies to overcome compulsive eating behaviors. With services spanning various eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia, and binge-eating disorder, Milestones ensures comprehensive care. Most health insurance plans are accepted, making it accessible for many seeking help. Take the first step toward a fulfilling and liberated life; contact Milestones to learn more about their programs and how they can assist in your recovery journey. Visit their website at milestonesprogram.org or call 1-800-347-2364 today.

Learn more about SHiFT!
Learn more about Milestones!
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