Penguin Michael Joseph acquires Leeming’s 'pioneering' book on gut health

Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ) has acquired Dr Emily Leeming’s Genius Gut: How to Eat for Your Second Brain to Transform Your Health and Mood from the Inside Out.

UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, were bought by senior commissioning editor Karolina Kaim from Matilda Forbes Watson at WME on exclusive submission.

Genius Gut will be published in July 2024 and “digests the latest microbiome science on our second brain – the gut – and dives into the powerful two-way path between our physical and mental wellbeing, revolutionising what smart nutrition means".

The publisher added: “In a pioneering 10-step no fuss gut-brain method, you will learn how and what to eat to feel your absolute best. No calorie counting, no restrictions, pure science."

Dr Leeming is a scientific researcher at King’s College London, a registered dietitian and a former chef. Formerly, she was senior scientist at personalised nutrition tech company ZOE and is head of nutrition science at The Gut Stuff. Genius Gut is her first book.

Leeming said: “I’m thrilled to be sharing the latest exciting gut-brain science — and most importantly, what easy fuss-free changes you can make to feel your best. It’s not only what we eat that matters, but also how we eat, and our relationship to food too.

“Our gut and our brain are constantly talking! I’m a huge believer that science doesn’t have to be boring and dull. Genius Gut is free of confusing fancy sciencey-lingo, and doubles down on easy tips and tricks that will take the hard work out of eating well. I’m so excited to share Genius Gut with you with thanks to my brilliant agent and editor for being as excited about this book as I am."

Kaim said, “The growing awareness around our diets should be broadened to include the way our food choices impact the way we feel and perform. It’s a thrill to be working with a scientist at the forefront like Emily, whose expertise is equal to her passion for bringing the gut health revolution to everyone’s heads, homes, and cupboards, packed with more proof and life-changing facts than anyone could ask for."