The Van Tulleken Twins: Meet The Twin Doctors Debunking Health Myths

Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a national shift away from ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This is down to a number of factors, including a string of new scientific studies showcasing the detrimental effects of UPF overconsumption, as well as rising obesity rates across the UK. But one individual played a particularly key role in bringing the conversation to the fore: Dr Chris van Tulleken, author of the bestselling book Ultra Processed People. And now, van Tulleken is joining forces with his brother, Xand (who also happens to be a doctor) to continue his mission of bringing sanity back to the health world through a new podcast, What’s Up Docs?.

Who Are The Van Tulleken Twins?

Chris and Xand van Tulleken are twin brothers, both working as medical doctors and broadcasters. Born in London in 1978 to Dutch parents, they studied medicine at Oxford University, with Chris specialising in infectious disease and tropical medicine, and Xand specialising in tropical medicine. Chris currently works as an infectious diseases doctor and MRC Clinical Research Fellow at University College London Hospital, while Xand works between New York and Harvard, as well as supporting humanitarian crises across the world.

The pair rose to fame presenting children’s series Operation Ouch! on CBBC, which explored the ins and outs of the human body through a variety of experiments. Both went on to front a number of TV shows and documentaries, including Chris’ 2017 two-part special The Doctor Who Gave Up Drugs, and his recent documentary Why We Can’t Stop Eating. Xand, meanwhile, appeared as the resident doctor on BBC One’s daytime show Morning Live, and led solo projects including The Truth About Carbs and How To Lose Weight Well.

Chris is also known for his aforementioned book, Ultra Processed People, a compelling investigation into the history, science and production of UPFs. This documents his own personal experiment, in which he ate a diet made up of 80 percent UPFs for a month, reporting effects including heartburn, poor sleep and sluggishness.

BBC/Lion Television/Tom Barnes

Are They Identical?

Yes, Drs Chris and Xand are identical twins – with Chris being the older twin, born seven minutes before Xand. 

What’s Their New Podcast About?

In BBC Radio 4’s new podcast What’s Up Docs?, Drs Chris and Xand explore the latest science and data surrounding topical health issues, with the aim of helping people navigate the often confusing world of wellbeing. In the initial episode, the pair explore the theme of willpower, asking the crucial question: does willpower even exist? They’re joined by psychologist Kimberley Wilson, who deems it the biggest question in psychology and philosophy. New episodes will drop weekly, covering subjects ranging from microplastics in diets to blood sugar control.

What’s Up Docs? is available on BBC Sounds and other podcast platforms.