Doctors Criticize Longevity Influencer Peter Attia's Ties to Epstein

Attia's ethics, credentials, and medical protocols come under scrutiny after revelations of his relationship with the sex offender.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A widespread backlash has developed against longevity influencer Dr. Peter Attia after the revelation of his yearslong relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Dozens of doctors, mostly women, have spoken out against Attia, criticizing his ethics, medical credentials, and expensive health protocols. Many argue his behavior with Epstein violated the ethical standards expected of physicians, while others question the legitimacy of the longevity medicine industry he represents.

Why it matters

The Attia controversy has sparked a broader discussion about the credibility of wellness influencers, the lack of standard training and certification in longevity medicine, and the need for greater accountability among prominent health figures, especially those with close ties to disgraced individuals.

The details

The criticism of Attia has come from doctors in various specialties, including internal medicine, gynecology, and dermatology. They have accused Attia of violating ethical standards by maintaining a relationship with Epstein long after his 2008 conviction for prostitution charges involving underage girls. Attia has acknowledged the "ugly" emails with Epstein but said he did not witness any abuse. Doctors have also criticized Attia's extremely expensive medical practice, his lack of board certification, and the unproven health protocols he promotes.

  • In January 2026, a trove of documents was released showing Attia's close contact with Epstein in the 2010s.
  • Attia was interviewed at The New York Times's Well Festival in May 2025.

The players

Peter Attia

A longevity influencer and the founder of an expensive medical practice that promotes unorthodox health protocols. He had a yearslong relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A sex offender who pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution charges involving underage girls.

Aviva Romm

A family medicine physician who criticized Attia's behavior with Epstein as inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of physicians.

Jen Gunter

An obstetrician and gynecologist who writes the 'Vajenda' newsletter and has criticized Attia's credentials and the longevity medicine industry.

Karen Tang

A gynecologist in Pennsylvania with hundreds of thousands of social media followers who has criticized Attia's lack of board certification.

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What they’re saying

“The behavior on display in the emails 'is inconsistent with what we hope is modeled and practiced by physicians, and I feel like we can't separate the personal and the professional.'”

— Aviva Romm, Family Medicine Physician (The New York Times)

“'Every good doctor wants you to live longer,' adding that straightforward lifestyle interventions like exercise, a healthy diet and not smoking don't require elaborate protocols or a lot of money.”

— Jen Gunter, Obstetrician and Gynecologist (The New York Times)

“'This is my way of saying, 'No, I'm not going to stand for this,'' she said. 'I'm not OK with it.'”

— Mary Claire Haver, Menopause Specialist (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.