Engy › Who's who in longevity › Kris Verburgh

Kris Verburgh

🇧🇪
Doctor, author, nutrigerontology
AuthorDoctorBE
LongevityNutrition
Last updated: 7 October 2026

At a glance

  • Belgian doctor and author; introduced ‘nutrigerontology’ (nutrition × ageing).
  • Known for De voedselzandloper (The Food Hourglass): a food pyramid aimed at weight loss and ‘slower ageing’.
  • Has also written about longevity and technology (including Veroudering vertragen).
  • Speaks regularly to a broad audience in Belgium and beyond.

Known positions

Nutrition

Food choices can influence age-related diseases

Verburgh links diet to processes such as glycation, inflammation and metabolic health — a widely shared idea, but his specific pyramid is controversial.

What does the science say? MixedSource: krisverburgh.com ↗
Nutrition

The Food Hourglass as a more practical model than the classic pyramid

The model moves processed carbohydrates down and legumes/vegetables up. Independent nutrition experts criticised its evidence base and lack of nuance.

What does the science say? Little evidenceSource: gezondheid.be critique ↗
Longevity

Prevention through lifestyle before high-tech anti-ageing

In later books he combines lifestyle with future biotech; the core message remains prevention.

What does the science say? Strong evidenceSource: Verburgh books ↗

The ‘What does the science say?’ rating is an estimate by the Engy editors based on the cited source and the wider research. Not medical advice.

Criticism and nuance

Belgian critics argue that The Food Hourglass presents its claims too assertively and clashes with official dietary advice. ‘Nutrigerontology’ is not a widely recognised medical discipline.

Interesting as a popular entry point, but readers would do well to check the claims against independent guidelines (Belgian Superior Health Council, Gezondheid en Wetenschap).

Recent

Where to follow them

More voices in longevity

See everyone →