Book Review “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" Peter Attia MD with Bill Gifford
- Alastair Hunt
- Oct 2, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 8
What? A book focused on achieving longevity and healthspan, Outlive presents the latest research on ageing and health. Attia shares how he applies these findings to his patients and his own life, emphasising proactive strategies for extending vitality.
Who? Dr Peter Attia is a practising physician, a successful podcaster, and a rising authority in longevity and health. His expertise spans metabolic health, exercise, and disease prevention, making him a key voice in the evolving conversation on healthy ageing.
Why? Healthspan - maintaining function and quality of life as we age—is an increasingly important topic. Attia dives deep into metabolic health, placing strong emphasis on exercise, particularly strength, stability, and endurance training. He also covers areas often overlooked, such as balance training, sleep, and mental health, giving a more comprehensive perspective on longevity.
So… There’s much to learn from this book, though some aspects raise questions. Attia is sceptical of nutritional and epidemiological science, dismissing much of its relevance while offering his rationale. His dietary recommendations, particularly his stance on protein, are striking - suggesting a baseline of 2.2g per kg of body weight per day for his patients, without fully justifying why. Guidance that could be misused without proper context.
The microbiome is almost entirely ignored, despite Attia’s personal commitment to consuming 50g of fibre daily. Why he does this isn’t explored, leaving an important aspect of gut health underexamined. Given the effort required to reach this intake, more explanation would have added value.
Despite these gaps, Outlive is a compelling read, rich in insights on exercise, metabolic health and longevity. However, a deeper discussion on diet and the microbiome would have strengthened its impact.
Look out for the publication on Amazon or see him in a highly engaging interview with Rich Roll here:
For most people, improving health is about finding motivation and prioritising self-care with an ultimate goal of taking action. If you want to take effective and targeted steps that fit into your unique lifestyle, The Whole Health Practice is here to help. Whether your interest is healthspan and longevity, to beat chronic illness or enhance your overall well-being, our consultations and programs deliver results that are tailored to your needs.
Stay Healthy,
Alastair
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Resources: Health Literacy
What is health literacy? CDC website
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