Peter Attia: The anti-ageing doctor referenced in thousands of Epstein files 

One email from Dr Peter Attia (pictured) includes reference to Epstein’s “outrageous life” which the doctor noted he cannot share. File photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Hundreds of emails between an American anti-ageing doctor, with a huge social media following, and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have been found in the latest files release.

One email from Dr Peter Attia includes reference to Epstein’s “outrageous life” which the doctor noted he cannot share. The 'Epstein files' release by the US Department of Justice on Friday included 1,740 references to Attia over a number of years.

Attia, a father of three, has over 1.7 million followers on Instagram, including many from Ireland. He is also active on X and Facebook and hosts a popular podcast. He has gained followers through covering topics such as nutrition, testosterone supplements, and HRT within an anti-ageing context.

In addition to his media work, he is the founder of Early Medical, a private practice that “applies the principles of Medicine 3.0 to patients with the goal of simultaneously lengthening their lifespan and increasing their healthspan,” according to his website.

In an interview with CBS in October, he said the "six-figure" programme costs "much closer to $100,000 than $500,000". He was announced as a CBS News contributor early on Friday before the files release.

In response to an email from Epstein in June 2015 with the heading ‘RE: got a fresh shipment', Attia replied: 

You [know] the biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can’t tell a soul. 

This is seven years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution in Florida. Attia wrote on February 16, 2016: “Pussy is indeed low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten content though.” 

In a January 2016 email, Attia wrote to Epstein’s assistant Lesley Groff: “Hopefully JE in town when I’m back in 2 weeks. I go into JE withdrawal when I don’t see him.” 

Many emails show Epstein’s interest in living a long life, with discussions about nutrition and detailed lifestyle advice from Attia. Emails from 2018 show the same assistant confirming an appointment between the two men in September.

In November 2016 when Epstein was in Palm Beach, Florida, and Attia in New York, he wrote: “I miss you! When are you coming back? Maybe I need to visit you there.” 

Late on Monday, Dr Attia released a lengthy statement through his X account.

He apologised for the emails, saying: “I apologize and regret putting myself in a position where emails, some of them embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible, are now public, and that is on me. I accept that reality and the humiliation that comes with it.

“I was not involved in any criminal activity.”

He said his interactions with Epstein had “nothing to do with his sexual abuse or exploitation of anyone”

In relation to the “got a fresh shipment” subject line email thread, he said this referred to medication.

He denied the email about Epstein’s outrageous life refers to wrong-doing, saying it refers to his expensive lifestyle and the need to be discrete about this.

Irish science writer and cancer researcher David Robert Grimes said while it is “completely understandable” why people follow Attia, it also raises questions.

“Peter Attia is a high-profile, successful influencer who happened to have rich clients like Epstein,” he said. 

No one who followed evidence took this man seriously at all. 

He added: “This man was selling his curated medical system, a concierge medical system. This cost about $200,000 a year for his advice. To me that is an immediate red flag.” 

Anyone interested in improving longevity would focus more on wider social issues, he indicated. “The postcode in which you were born is too often a strong predictor of how long you’ll live,” he said.

“If you can afford to worry about optimising your health and living extra long with some special diet, you’re already in the middle class. You’re already likely to live at least an average life expectancy.”