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Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity

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Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity is a non-fiction health and wellness book authored by Peter Attia, a physician specializing in longevity, and co-written with journalist Bill Gifford.[1] Published in March 2023, Outlive was listed on The New York Times Best Seller list in 2023 and 2024.[2][3] The book is divided into three parts with 17 chapters in total, exploring various aspects of longevity.[4]

Synopsis

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Outlive presents a guide to preventing age-related diseases and promoting longevity through lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of managing physical and emotional health.[5] He sees longevity as encompassing two aspects: the length of life and the quality of life. Healthspan, a major theme in the book, refers to "the portion of life free from disability or disease."[6][7] Attia identifies the "Four Horsemen" of aging as the primary causes of declining healthspan—heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and type 2 diabetes.[6] Attia advocates for early screening, personalized health management, and lifestyle adjustments such as improved sleep,[8] regular exercise, a balanced diet, and emotional well-being.[6] He integrates scientific research with practical, specific steps to optimize well-being and healthspan.[9][10]

Key themes

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Preventative healthcare

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Attia promotes a proactive approach to healthcare, focusing on prevention rather than reactionary treatment. This includes early screening and personalized health strategies.[11]

Diet and nutrition

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He argues that many people are consuming too many calories without considering the nutritional quality of their meals, which contributes to poor health outcomes and shortened healthspan.[12]

Exercise

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He emphasizes the importance of intense exercise for maintaining health and longevity.[13] He also stresses the significance of knowing and improving one's VO2 max, an indicator of cardiovascular fitness, to optimize healthspan.[13]

Modern healthcare critique

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He is critical of healthcare in the United States's reactive approach to patient care, which often focuses on treating symptoms (Medicine 2.0). He would rather address the root causes of chronic illnesses (Medicine 3.0).[14][15]

Reception and reviews

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Outlive has been extensively reviewed from many different perspectives.[16][17] Bobby Stroup praises the book for its accessible insights into improving healthspan and mitigating diseases like Type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions. Stroup notes its limitations for those with unique health needs or older individuals. He praises the book for its storytelling and practical approach to personal health.[18] Matthew Rees' review in the Wall Street Journal highlights the books focus on the need for proactive, prevention-focused healthcare practices to improve longevity through early screening, personalized nutrition, exercise, and emotional well-being.[19] Another reviewer praised the book's approach to proactive healthcare.[11] The Economist and Apple Books, among others, ranked it as one of the best books of 2023.[20][21][22]

Some have criticized his advice and perspectives. One review by a trauma surgeon critiques his interpretation of the Hippocratic oath, where he dismisses it as an excuse for inaction. The reviewer argues that his reliance on an Emergency Room anecdote overlooks the principle that "do no harm" doesn't mean "do nothing". Additionally, the reviewer argues that his recommendations for medications and screenings lack strong evidence, posing risks that outweigh potential benefits.[23]

References

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  1. ^ Harris, John (2023-03-28). "The healthspan revolution: how to live a long, strong and happy life". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  2. ^ "Hardcover Nonfiction Books - Best Sellers - Books - Aug. 20, 2023 - The New York Times". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  3. ^ "Hardcover Nonfiction Books - Best Sellers - Books - Feb. 25, 2024 - The New York Times". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  4. ^ Laing, Sarah (2024-01-13). "Peter Attia channelled existential panic into the non-fiction bestseller Outlive; Book that teaches readers to live longer took three tries and seven years to write". Globe & Mail (Toronto, Canada): R8.
  5. ^ "Dr. Peter Attia sets foundation to live longer: People are suffering from 'poor emotional health' | Fox News Video". Fox News. 2024-03-10. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  6. ^ a b c Hammond, Phil (2023-04-04). "Outlive by Peter Attia review — a cancer surgeon's guide to avoiding the 'Four Horsemen' of ageing". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  7. ^ Allen, Mike (2023-08-03). "Axios Speed Read: Peter Attia's new book on living longer". Axios. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  8. ^ "A Radiologist's Perspective on Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD". The Radiology Review. 2024-02-17. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  9. ^ Marchese, David (2023-05-22). "Want to Live Longer and Healthier? Peter Attia Has a Plan". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  10. ^ Khullar, Dhruv (2024-04-15). "How to Die in Good Health". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  11. ^ a b "The DO Book Club: 'Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity'". The DO. 2024-01-02. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  12. ^ "The Links Between Longevity, Nutrition, Protein, and Calories". Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 37 (10): 510–511. 2024. doi:10.1097/ASW.0000000000000217. ISSN 1527-7941. PMID 39481055.
  13. ^ a b Heil, Nick (2024-08-08). "Is Hard Exercise the Formula for Longevity? Peter Attia Thinks So". Outside Online. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  14. ^ Reiss, Sami (2023-03-29). "Why Mainstream Medicine Struggles to Prevent Chronic Disease—and What You Can Do About It". GQ. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  15. ^ Chesak, Jennifer (2024-02-05). "Medicine 3.0: What It Is and Why You Need It". Hone Health. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  16. ^ "Outlive asks readers to confront the ticking time bombs in their own bodies". The Globe and Mail. 2024-01-12. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  17. ^ Berry, Sarah (2023-04-23). "The secret to living longer is already known, and it's not expensive". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  18. ^ "Outlive by Peter Attia: A Book Review - Petrie-Flom Center". petrieflom.law.harvard.edu. 2024-03-05. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  19. ^ Rees, Matthew (2023-03-29). "'Outlive' Review: Heaven Can Wait". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  20. ^ "The best books of 2023, as chosen by The Economist". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  21. ^ "Apple unveils the top books of 2023 and a new Year in Review experience". Apple Newsroom (United Kingdom). Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  22. ^ "The year's top 20 books as chosen by the newsroom team". Australian Financial Review. 2023-12-05. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
  23. ^ Butler, Kathryn (2023-08-14). "Can Preventative Medicine Become the Fountain of Youth?". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
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