09/25/2025
We’ve long been told that weight is a matter of discipline—that eating less and moving more is the answer. But what if that story is scientifically outdated? This session unpacks the neuroscience and psychology behind hunger, cravings, “food noise,” and the body’s complex relationship with weight—revealing how brain circuitry, not just behavior, plays a defining role in obesity. We’ll uncover the hidden biological alarm systems that resist weight loss, which evolved to protect us from starvation but are misfiring in today’s environment. Moderated by Dr. Erica Taylor, the vice president and chief marketing officer at Genentech, and featuring insights from Dr. Maria Wilson, James Zervios, and Dr. Robyn Pashby, we’ll challenge cultural myths and explore how science is reframing the future of obesity care.
*This session is produced by our underwriter and is independent of The Atlantic’s editorial staff.