About David Wiss PhD
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David Wiss raises public awareness through his own research and gathering evidence to support the healing power of food in the recovery process. His presentations and publications rely on science.
Instructional Professor, University of Southern California
I sigh a deep breath of relief because we finally have in our recovery community a scientist who loves research and studies data impeccably yet cares more deeply for the heart and soul of a person.
Private Practice
David’s passion, energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to being an agent of change is inspirational. He practices what he preaches and has an insatiable hunger for knowledge and education.
Private Practice
Dr. Wiss is excellent at understanding differences in individuals with eating disorders. He is effective in meeting people where they are in their recovery journey. Dr. Wiss practices what he preaches, making him more relatable and easy to connect with personally.
Private Practice
David is an exceptional educator and clinician, masterfully translating the complexities of ultra-processed food addiction and eating disorders into practical, actionable insights for his clients.
Private Practice
Dr. David Wiss stands out in the field of eating disorder treatment, courageously paving the way for nuanced approaches amid the pressure to conform to mainstream thought.
Private PracticeAbout David Wiss PhD
Challenging the Status Quo in Nutrition and Mental Health
As an independent thinker unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom, I’ve spent over a decade pioneering innovative approaches in nutritional psychology, eating disorders, and addiction recovery. My journey, which began with my own recovery in 2006, has evolved into a mission to revolutionize how we approach mental health treatment through evidence-based nutrition interventions–while actively confronting systemic issues within the nutrition field itself.
A Call for Systemic Change
Early in my career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I recognized that the nutrition field needed significant reform. I’ve consistently worked to expose conflicts of interest within the profession and challenge the influence of commercial interests on nutrition policy and education. This commitment to transparency and scientific integrity has sometimes made me a controversial figure, but has also positioned me to effect meaningful change in how we approach nutrition and mental health care.
Core Arguments and Vision
1. If low-income groups have limited access to food, corporations should have some responsibility to ensure the food is not toxic or addictive, and the US government should bear the responsibility to protect its most vulnerable populations.
2. Nutritional deficiencies and their associated biological consequences should be assessed and addressed before new psychiatric diagnoses are made and medications prescribed.
3. Individuals should be empowered to eat in ways that align with their values. To this end, they should be provided with educational resources about the food industry’s role in shaping norms and nutrition policies so they can make better-informed decisions about their health.
Pioneering New Approaches in Eating Disorders
As a world-renowned expert in disordered eating, I’ve developed innovative approaches that challenge traditional paradigms. My work uniquely bridges the gap between eating disorders and ultra-processed food addiction, offering perspectives that often face resistance from the mainstream eating disorder establishment but are crucial for advancing our understanding of these complex conditions.
Confronting Commercial Influences
Throughout my career, I’ve worked to expose how commercial interests shape nutrition policies and practices. This has included:
- Challenging corporate sponsorships in professional organizations
- Advocating for transparency in nutrition research funding
- Highlighting how industry influence affects dietary guidelines and recommendations
- Speaking out against the suppression of critical perspectives in nutrition science
Evidence-Based Innovation
After treating over 1,000 patients and publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals, I’ve developed frameworks bridging traditional gaps between neurological, psychological, behavioral, and nutritional sciences. My approach emphasizes:
- Integration of multiple evidence-based philosophies
- Recognition of biological mechanisms while honoring individual experiences
- Challenge of pharmaceutical-first approaches to mental health
- Advocacy for comprehensive nutrition assessment in mental health care
- Promoting value-based qualitative eating over math-centric approaches
Practical Solutions for Change
My commitment to improving mental health outcomes has led to the development of two noteworthy initiatives:
- Nutrition in Recovery: A specialized practice providing innovative nutrition services for mental health and addiction recovery
- Wise Mind Nutrition App: A comprehensive tool that makes evidence-based nutrition education accessible to both clinicians and individuals
Leadership in Professional Reform
As the Director of Mental Health Communication for the Center for Nutritional Psychology and a founding board member of Dietitians for a Healthier America, I work to advance evidence-based nutrition education while advocating for systemic change. My approach emphasizes:
- Challenging entrenched interests that compromise public health
- Promoting collaboration across health disciplines
- Advancing nutrition education free from commercial influence
- Supporting professionals who prioritize patient outcomes over industry interests
Building a Movement
The future of mental health care demands that we confront uncomfortable truths about our current system while building better alternatives. I remain committed to:
- Conducting independent research that advances our understanding of nutrition’s role in mental health
- Developing practical tools and resources free from commercial influence
- Building bridges between different schools of thought while challenging harmful paradigms
- Advocating for a healthcare system that truly serves public health interests
Join the Transformation
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, researcher, or someone interested in the intersection of nutrition and mental health, I invite you to explore these ideas further through my various platforms and educational resources. We need voices willing to challenge the status quo while working toward evidence-based solutions that serve all members of our community.
The path forward requires both courage to confront systemic issues and commitment to building better alternatives. Through continued research, education, and advocacy, I aim to help create a healthcare system that prioritizes public health over commercial interests, working toward better outcomes for all.
