MIT Trained Professor Emeritus of Paediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at UCSF, Bestselling Author of ‘Fat Chance’, Co-Founder of the Institute for Responsible Nutrition & Over 25 Million Views on His Lecture ‘Sugar: The Bitter Truth’
Robert Lustig’s Biography:
Robert Lustig is an internationally renowned paediatric endocrinologist, author and public health advocate, widely recognised as one of the world’s leading authorities on obesity, nutrition, diabetes and metabolic health. As Professor Emeritus of Paediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Robert has dedicated his career to understanding the relationship between nutrition, hormones and chronic disease. He is particularly known for his work on childhood obesity and the health impacts of sugar consumption, helping to drive the global “anti-sugar” and “real food” movements. As a speaker, Robert is highly sought after for his evidence-based insights into health, nutrition, wellbeing and the future of public health.
Robert’s academic journey began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1976 before completing his Doctor of Medicine at Cornell University Medical College in 1980. He undertook his paediatric residency at St. Louis Children’s Hospital before completing a clinical fellowship in paediatric endocrinology at UCSF. Following his medical training, Robert spent six years at Rockefeller University as a postdoctoral fellow and research associate specialising in neuroendocrinology. He later held academic and clinical positions at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, building expertise that would establish him as a leading figure in metabolic health research.
In 2001, Robert joined the faculty at UCSF, where he became Director of the WATCH Programme (Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health). Throughout his career, he has specialised in neuroendocrinology and childhood obesity while also serving as former Chair of the Obesity Task Force of the Pediatric Endocrine Society. He is a member of the Endocrine Society’s obesity task force and serves on the steering committee of the International Endocrine Alliance to Combat Obesity. In 2013, he further expanded his expertise by completing a Master of Studies in Law at UC Hastings College of the Law, enabling him to explore the intersection of public health policy, regulation and nutrition.
Robert has authored more than 105 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 65 reviews, alongside several bestselling books including Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity and Disease, The Hacking of the American Mind and The Fat Chance Cookbook. He also edited Obesity Before Birth: Maternal and Prenatal Influences on the Offspring. In 2025, he continued advancing public understanding of nutrition and metabolic health through research, public speaking and media appearances. His widely viewed lecture Sugar: The Bitter Truth has attracted more than 25 million views, helping establish him as one of the most influential voices in modern nutrition science.
Why Hire Robert Lustig?
Robert is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled expertise in nutrition, obesity, diabetes and metabolic health. Combining decades of clinical practice, scientific research and public advocacy, he delivers compelling presentations that challenge conventional thinking around food, health and chronic disease. His ability to translate complex scientific concepts into practical, actionable advice makes him particularly valuable for healthcare, corporate wellbeing and leadership audiences.
His influence extends far beyond academia through bestselling books, global media appearances and educational content. In addition to his widely viewed lecture Sugar: The Bitter Truth, Robert has delivered numerous TEDx Talks, including Sugar – The Elephant in The Kitchen, further expanding his impact as a public educator on nutrition and metabolic health. Whether discussing nutrition policy, personal wellbeing, corporate health or the future of healthcare, Robert delivers evidence-based insights that inspire audiences to rethink their relationship with food, health and long-term wellbeing.
Robert Lustig’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Robert Lustig’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Continued advancing public understanding of nutrition and metabolic health through research, media appearances and international speaking engagements.
- 2013 – Completed a Master of Studies in Law at UC Hastings College of the Law to explore public health policy and regulation.
- 2013 – Published Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity and Disease.
- 2010 – Edited Obesity Before Birth: Maternal and Prenatal Influences on the Offspring.
- 2009 – His lecture Sugar: The Bitter Truth was released, later attracting more than 25 million views worldwide.
- 2001 – Joined the University of California, San Francisco faculty and became Director of the WATCH Programme.
- 1990s – Worked at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital while holding academic positions focused on endocrinology and obesity research.
- 1980s – Served as a postdoctoral fellow and research associate in neuroendocrinology at Rockefeller University.
- 1984 – Completed his clinical fellowship in paediatric endocrinology at UCSF.
- 1980 – Graduated with a Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College.
Videos
Robert Lustig’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Robert Lustig is an exceptional choice for healthcare conferences, corporate wellbeing programmes, educational institutions and leadership events. His combination of scientific expertise, clinical experience and public communication skills allows him to engage audiences while delivering evidence-based insights into health and nutrition. Robert is particularly effective for organisations seeking to better understand metabolic health, workplace wellbeing and preventative healthcare. His ability to challenge assumptions and present complex research in an accessible format makes him one of the most impactful speakers in the health and wellbeing sector.” – David Simms
Speaking Topics
Robert Lustig’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Growing Up With Obesity
- Clinician Confidential: How Industry Hacked the Health Professions, and How to Unhack Them
- Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity & Disease
How Much Does Robert Lustig Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Robert Lustig?
Robert Lustig’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.