Metabolical: The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition and Modern Medicine—Unpacking the Science Behind Food and Health

Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric neuroendocrinologist, identifies eight pathologies underlying all chronic disease and documents how processed food has damaged metabolic health, the economy, and the environment over the past 50 years. He challenges the current healthcare system's influence by Big Food, Big Pharma, and Big Government, and proposes a nutrition science-based approach to address these problems. Lustig connects scientific data to explain key points: chronic disease treatment addresses symptoms rather than root causes; individuals can assess their own biochemical profile; chronic diseases are not treatable through medication alone but through food; processed food is both toxic and addictive; and vegan and keto diets share common ground against processed food industries. The book argues that food is the primary tool for biochemical change. Lustig recommends eating based on two criteria: protecting the liver and supporting gut health. He contends that without fixing our food systems and eating habits, chronic disease, healthcare bankruptcy, and environmental damage will continue, but offers solutions to address all three problems.