Neal D. Barnard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Neal Barnard
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![]() Barnard in 2014
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Born | Fargo, North Dakota, U.S.
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10 July 1953
Education | George Washington University School of Medicine (MD) |
Occupation | Non-profit executive, author, medical researcher |
Known for | Founding and serving as President of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine |
Neal D. Barnard is an American doctor and activist. He was born on July 10, 1953. He is known for starting the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). Dr. Barnard has written many books. These books encourage people to eat a healthy plant-based diet.
Contents
About Neal Barnard
Early Life and Education
Neal Barnard grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. He studied medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. During his studies, he became very interested in vegan diets. A vegan diet means eating only plant-based foods. It does not include meat, dairy, or eggs.
Dr. Barnard is a highly qualified doctor. He is certified in psychiatry and neurology. He is also a member of the American College of Cardiology. He cares deeply about animal rights. He has worked with groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
His Career and Work
In 1985, Dr. Barnard started the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). This group helps people learn about healthy eating. They also promote ways to prevent diseases. By 2016, PCRM had many members. This included 12,000 doctors.
Dr. Barnard has appeared in several documentaries. These include Super Size Me (2004) and Forks Over Knives (2011). He also appeared in PlantPure Nation (2015) and What the Health (2017). Since 2003, he has taught medicine at George Washington University. In 2016, he opened the Barnard Medical Center. This center helps patients with their health. It focuses on how nutrition can improve health.
Dr. Barnard has led important research studies. In 2006, he studied how diet affects blood sugar. This study was for people with type 2 diabetes. He also works with patients who have diabetes and obesity. He helps them through special research programs.
Awards and Recognition
In 2011, Dr. Barnard was honored. He was added to the Vegetarian Hall of Fame. This happened at a conference where he often speaks. He has also received other awards. In 2016, he got the Lifestyle Medicine Trailblazer Award. In 2019, he received the Plantrician Project Luminary Award.
Books and TV Shows
Dr. Barnard has written 20 books. One of his books is Power Foods for the Brain. It was published in 2013. This book shares a plan to help protect your mind. It also suggests ways to strengthen your memory. Another book is The Vegan Starter Kit. This book helps people learn about plant-based eating.
He has also hosted four TV shows. These shows were on PBS. They taught people about nutrition and health.
Dr. Barnard's Views on Diabetes
Dr. Barnard has studied how diet affects diabetes. He wrote a book in 2009 called Dr Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes. In this book, he suggests that a low-fat vegan diet can help. He believes it can stabilize blood sugar. He also thinks it can improve insulin function. This might reduce the need for medication.
Some experts have different opinions. They agree that a low-fat vegan diet can help with weight loss. Weight loss is important for managing diabetes. However, some experts say that not all diabetes can be reversed. They also suggest that a very strict diet might not be right for everyone. For example, children or pregnant women might need special support.
It is important to remember that losing weight is key. Many types of diets can help with weight loss. This can improve diabetes. It is always best to talk to a doctor about your diet.
Selected Books by Neal Barnard
- Dr Neal Barnard's Program for Reversing Diabetes (2009)
- The Cheese Trap: How Breaking a Surprising Addiction Will Help You Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Get Healthy (2017)
- Your Body in Balance: The New Science of Food, Hormones, and Health (2020)
Personal Life
Outside of his medical work, Dr. Barnard enjoys music. He plays the cello, guitar, and keyboards. He has been a member of several bands. These include Pop Maru, Verdun, and Carbonworks.
See also
- List of animal rights advocates
- List of vegans