about me
I am an Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University Health System, the Director of the Duke Keto Medicine Clinic in Durham, North Carolina, and the co-founder and clinical director of Adapt Your Life® Academy.
My background & Experience
I am a Past President of the Obesity Medicine Association and a Fellow of the Obesity Society. In 2010, I was named the Obesity Medicine Association’s “Bariatrician of the Year” for my work in advancing the field of obesity medicine as well as the Society. I am also a recipient of the Society’s Steelman-Seim Educator Award for advancing the cause of healthcare through education and teaching. I graduated from Stanford University (A.B.), University of Wisconsin (M.D.), University of Kentucky and Duke University (M.H.S.). I am board certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine and have a Master’s Degree in clinical research, with over 90 peer-reviewed publications to my name.
My Life's Work
I have dedicated my life to helping people with medical conditions such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, hypertension, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and many others through diet and lifestyle changes. I believe that conventional medical protocols typically treat symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes. Over 170 million Americans suffer from obesity, pre-diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Yet, the clinical research I’ve conducted at Duke University shows that this American Medical Association-recognized disease can be put into remission – without medications – through a low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet alone. The results have been astounding: 26,000 pounds lost, 98% of patients affected by type 2 diabetes off insulin, 4,000 patients and 28,000 clinical visits.
WHY I STARTED ADAPT YOUR LIFE ACADEMY
The Adapt Your Life® Academy (AYLA) was created to make trustworthy, research-backed teaching and support about low-carbohydrate lifestyles simple, accessible and affordable to a worldwide audience. Thousands of people have completed our online flagship course, Keto Made Simple, where we teach a simple and sustainable approach to keto that can be done on any budget. We also offer courses on cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, sugar & food addiction, type 1 diabetes, and breaking fat loss stalls, and are currently developing additional courses on cancer and the role of nutrition; type 2 diabetes; the importance of protein; movement, mobility & strength; low-carb cooking, and more. Additionally, our subscription membership community provides ongoing support and education for those following a keto diet. (This is currently open only to graduates of the Keto Made Simple course but will be opening to the public in Spring 2023.) In our membership we feature weekly live sessions, low-carb recipes, personalized help with troubleshooting low-carb/keto diets, and exclusive interviews with guest speakers who are well-known authorities across a range of topics related to therapeutic carbohydrate restriction and overall health.
The AYLA team and I are dedicated to providing scientifically sound, actionable information and education so that people feel confident in taking an active role in their own health future.
Medical Supervision
As with any diet or lifestyle program, medical supervision is always recommended. Members of the Adapt Program or Adapt Your Life Academy website will not be under my medical care or the care of the Adapt Your Life Academy support team and use of any Adapt Your Life Academy products, videos, information, or services, does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. The Adapt Program is not intended as a replacement for an individual’s personalized medical care. I am excited to help you on your health journey!
– Dr. Eric Westman
