Summary
Gary Taubes, a prominent journalist and author, shares insights into the flawed science behind nutrition and chronic diseases, particularly obesity and diabetes. With a background in hard sciences, Taubes critiques the prevailing belief that calories are the sole determinant of weight gain, arguing instead that the types of calories consumed—specifically refined carbohydrates and sugars—play a crucial role in driving obesity and related health issues.
Taubes recounts his journey from investigating scientific fallacies in physics to uncovering similar issues in public health. He emphasizes that many widely accepted dietary guidelines, such as low-fat diets, lack rigorous scientific backing and have contributed to the obesity epidemic. He highlights the historical context of dietary recommendations, noting that traditional diets were often healthier before the introduction of processed foods and sugars.
The conversation also delves into the treatment of diabetes, where Taubes points out that the medical community has largely ignored the benefits of carbohydrate restriction. He argues that insulin resistance, a hallmark of type 2 diabetes, is exacerbated by high carbohydrate intake, yet many practitioners continue to prescribe insulin without addressing dietary habits. Taubes advocates for a paradigm shift in how we approach nutrition, suggesting that removing refined carbohydrates from diets could significantly improve health outcomes and longevity.
Show Notes
A Conversation with Gary Taubes | Jason Fung📢 Don’t Miss the Fasting & Longevity Summit 2.0!Get exclusive access to interviews with top experts and game-changing fasting insights. Sign up for the Summit before it’s too late!👉https://drtalks.com/summit/fasting-longevity?uid=828&oid=87&ref=3679Welcome to the Fasting and Longevity Summit Series, hosted by world-renowned fasting expert Dr. Jason Fung. In this enlightening episode, Dr. Fung is joined by Gary Taubes, an acclaimed journalist and bestselling author, to discuss the complex relationship between diet, obesity, and chronic diseases. Together, they delve into the science of nutrition, the misconceptions about sugar and carbohydrates, and how evidence-based dietary changes can revolutionize your health.This series features over 40 top health and longevity experts sharing cutting-edge insights into fasting, nutrition, and metabolic health. Whether you’re new to fasting or looking for advanced strategies, this episode is packed with actionable advice, expert insights, and the motivation you need to achieve your health goals.What’s Inside This Episode?🔥 Gary Taubes’ Inspiring Journey:Discover how Gary’s investigative journalism led him to uncover the flawed science behind modern dietary guidelines. Learn how his work has reshaped the conversation around obesity, sugar, and metabolic health.📖 The Science of Carbohydrates and Obesity:Explore the mechanisms by which carbohydrates and sugar contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, and chronic illnesses. Gary and Dr. Fung break down the science behind low-carb diets and their impact on metabolic health.🎯 Rethinking Traditional Dietary Advice:Why calorie counting and the “eat less, move more” approach often fail. Learn why focusing on the quality of your diet is far more effective than simply cutting calories.💡 Practical Dietary Strategies:Gain expert tips on how to:Transition to a low-carb or ketogenic dietReverse conditions like Type 2 diabetes and fatty liverImprove energy, focus, and overall well-beingAddress common challenges when changing dietary habits🎯 Insights on Nutrition Policy:Understand how decades of flawed dietary guidelines have shaped the obesity epidemic and what needs to change for better public health outcomes.Why This Episode Is Life-ChangingThis conversation is a treasure trove of practical insights and scientific wisdom. With Gary Taubes’ unparalleled expertise in nutrition science and Dr. Jason Fung’s groundbreaking work in fasting, this episode is essential for anyone seeking to:✔️ Lose weight and maintain it sustainably✔️ Reverse metabolic conditions like insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes✔️ Build a healthier relationship with food✔️ Understand the root causes of chronic illnesses✔️ Optimize health and longevityWho Is Gary Taubes?Gary Taubes is a world-renowned science journalist, public speaker, and bestselling author of several influential books, including Good Calories, Bad Calories, Why We Get Fat, and The Case Against Sugar. His work has reshaped public understanding of nutrition and health, challenging long-held beliefs about obesity and dietary science.📢 Share Your Thoughts:Have you explored the benefits of a low-carb or ketogenic diet? Share your experience in the comments below. Dr. Fung, Gary Taubes, and the community would love to hear your story!============================= 📌 BOOKS: 👉 The Obesity Code - Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss and how low carb diets and fasting can help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?... 👉 The Diabetes Code - Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversible disease and dietary strategies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795BLS8D?... 👉 The Cancer Code - Scientific exploration of how cancer develops - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062894005?... 📌 Amazon: 👉 USA - https://www.amazon.com/shop/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Jason Fung
🌟 Welcome to the Fasting and Longevity Summit 2.0! 🌟A Conversation with Dr. Robert Lufkin | Jason FungHi, everyone! This is Dr. Jason Fung, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to the Fasting and Longevity Summit 2.0, hosted by myself, Dr. David Jockers, and Dr. Joseph Anton. This groundbreaking event features insights from over 40 of the world’s top health experts, sharing strategies to help you take control of your health, reverse chronic diseases, and unlock the secrets to healthy aging.🎥 In this video, you'll get a preview of one of our fascinating discussions with Dr. Robert Luton, professor and author of Lies I Thought in Medical School. Together, we explore:The power of fasting as a transformative health toolCommon medical myths and their impact on chronic disease managementPractical lifestyle changes to improve health and longevity🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Video:✔️ Why fasting is a proven strategy for improving health and slowing aging✔️ How lifestyle changes can reverse chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes✔️ The truth about modern medical education and its gaps in addressing root causes of illness✔️ Actionable tips to optimize metabolic health and prevent chronic conditions✔️ The role of nutrition and intermittent fasting in achieving sustainable wellness✨ Why Watch?This isn’t just another health talk. It’s a wake-up call to rethink how we approach health and wellness in the 21st century. With chronic diseases on the rise, we need practical solutions that address root causes—not just symptoms. Watch to gain life-changing insights into how fasting, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine can help you live longer, healthier, and more vibrantly.📢 Don’t Miss the Fasting & Longevity Summit 2.0!Get exclusive access to interviews with top experts and game-changing insights. Sign up for the Summit before it’s too late!👉https://drtalks.com/summit/fasting-longevity?uid=828&oid=87&ref=3679Subscribe, like, and comment to join the movement!#Fasting #IntermittentFasting #Longevity #Type2Diabetes #RobertLufkin #jasonfung ============================= 📌 BOOKS: 👉 The Obesity Code - Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss and how low carb diets and fasting can help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?... 👉 The Diabetes Code - Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversible disease and dietary strategies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795BLS8D?... 👉 The Cancer Code - Scientific exploration of how cancer develops - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062894005?... 📌 Amazon: 👉 USA - https://www.amazon.com/shop/jasonfung 👉 Canada - https://www.amazon.ca/shop/jasonfung ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 📌 Please visit our :- 🔹 Website - https://www.doctorjasonfung.com 🔹 Blog- https://drjasonfung.medium.com 🔹 Community- https://www.thefastingmethod.com 🔹 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.fung.313 🔹 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drjasonfung/ 🔹 Twitter - https://twitter.com/drjasonfung ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 📌 YouTube Medical Lectures (for specialist physicians): ▶️ The Roots of the Obesity Epidemic: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8BGYhreaco&t=0s ▶️ Therapeutic Fasting - The Two Compartment Problem:https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETkwZIi3R7w&t=0s ▶️ Does Calorie Counting work?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F5o0a4p_3U&t=0s ▶️ Two Big Lies of Type 2 Diabetes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcLoaVNQ3rc&t=0s #DiabetesCode #ReverseDiabetes #Type2Diabetes #DrJasonFung #IntermittentFasting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Struggling with a weight loss plateau? This can happen on any diet. Dr Jason Fung shares 7 strategies to break through the weight loss plateau. Check out my blog at https://medium.com/@drjasonfungMore Information:BOOKS:The Obesity Code - Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss and how low carb diets and fasting can help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dThe Diabetes Code - Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversible disease and dietary strategies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795BLS8D?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dThe Cancer Code - Scientific exploration of how cancer develops - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062894005?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dAmazon:USA - https://www.amazon.com/shop/jasonfungCanada - https://www.amazon.ca/shop/jasonfung**Fasting Aids**Pique Fasting Tea (recommended)https://www.piquetea.com/drjasonfungFasting Community and Coaching:https://www.thefastingmethod.com/YouTube Medical Lectures (for specialist physicians):1. The Roots of the Obesity Epidemic - https://youtu.be/q8BGYhreaco2. Therapeutic Fasting - The Two Compartment Problem: https://youtu.be/ETkwZIi3R7w3. Does Calorie Counting work? https://youtu.be/5F5o0a4p_3U4. Two Big Lies of Type 2 Diabetes - https://youtu.be/FcLoaVNQ3rc5. Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Naturally - https://youtu.be/mAwgdX5VxGc6. Insulin Toxicity - https://youtu.be/4oZ4UqtbB_g7. Saturated Fat - Friend or Foe? https://youtu.be/QetsIU-3k7Y8. Diet and Disease - https://youtu.be/2yoOx_7MLn09. Dangers of Fructose - https://youtu.be/pG89j432w-Y10. Insulin Resistance - https://youtu.be/dimP7IdM2Og11. Role of Hormones in Weight Loss - https://youtu.be/ZbnshVO4PRM12. The Obesity Code Lecture 1 - https://youtu.be/YpllomiDMX0Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoyL4iGArWn5Hu0V_sAhK2w/join#jasonfung #drjasonfung #fasting #fastingbenefits #weightlosstips #intermittentfasting #drfung #fung #calories #weightlosstips #caloriesincaloriesout #weightloss #nutrition #diet #health #weightlosssolutionTimestamps:0:00 Intro1:13 Sweeteners and weight loss2:17 Changing the diet3:30 Clean up the Fasting3:49 Fasting Duration5:50 Sleep and Weight Loss7:00 Meditation, Yoga and Stress Relief9:16 Exercise and Stress ReliefJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoyL4iGArWn5Hu0V_sAhK2w/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Metabolic rate is how much energy (calories) your body uses in a day for normal function. Calorie restricted diets lower metabolic rate, and this limits weight loss, and is often called starvation mode. Dr. Jason Fung explains why fasting does not lower metabolic rate thus allowing you to avoid the dreaded starvation mode that leads to weight loss plateau. Check out my blog at https://medium.com/@drjasonfungMore Information:BOOKS:The Obesity Code - Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss and how low carb diets and fasting can help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dThe Diabetes Code - Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversible disease and dietary strategies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795BLS8D?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dThe Cancer Code - Scientific exploration of how cancer develops - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062894005?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dAmazon:USA - https://www.amazon.com/shop/jasonfungCanada - https://www.amazon.ca/shop/jasonfung**Fasting Aids**Pique Fasting Tea (recommended)https://www.piquetea.com/drjasonfungFasting Community and Coaching:https://www.thefastingmethod.com/YouTube Medical Lectures (for specialist physicians):1. The Roots of the Obesity Epidemic - https://youtu.be/q8BGYhreaco2. Therapeutic Fasting - The Two Compartment Problem: https://youtu.be/ETkwZIi3R7w3. Does Calorie Counting work? https://youtu.be/5F5o0a4p_3U4. Two Big Lies of Type 2 Diabetes - https://youtu.be/FcLoaVNQ3rc5. Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Naturally - https://youtu.be/mAwgdX5VxGc6. Insulin Toxicity - https://youtu.be/4oZ4UqtbB_g7. Saturated Fat - Friend or Foe? https://youtu.be/QetsIU-3k7Y8. Diet and Disease - https://youtu.be/2yoOx_7MLn09. Dangers of Fructose - https://youtu.be/pG89j432w-Y10. Insulin Resistance - https://youtu.be/dimP7IdM2Og11. Role of Hormones in Weight Loss - https://youtu.be/ZbnshVO4PRM12. The Obesity Code Lecture 1 - https://youtu.be/YpllomiDMX0Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoyL4iGArWn5Hu0V_sAhK2w/joinTimestamps0:00 Does Fasting Slow your Metabolic Rate?1:25 Starvation Mode2:17 Fasting increases Metabolic Rate4:05 Increased Metabolic Rate due to increased norepinephrine5:07 Calorie Restriction does not give the same benefit6:27 Using body fat for energy7:37 Success story using intermittent fasting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are you struggling to lose weight despite eating less and exercising more? It’s time to stop blaming your willpower and start understanding your biology.Dr. Jason Fung, best-selling author of The Obesity Code, explains the revolutionary concept of the "Body Fat Thermostat." Just like your home’s AC maintains a specific temperature, your body has a "set point" for how much fat it wants to carry.If you only focus on "Calories In vs. Calories Out" without addressing your hormones, your body will fight back by increasing your hunger and slowing down your metabolism. This is why most diets fail in the long run!In this video, we dive deep into: ✅ The Science of Homeostasis: Why your body resists weight change. ✅ Hormones vs. Calories: The real role of Insulin, Cortisol, and GLP-1 in fat storage. ✅ The "Big Lie" of Dieting: Why eating fewer calories can sometimes lead to more fat storage. ✅ Resetting the Set Point: Practical insights on how to naturally lower your body's fat thermostat. ✅ Homeostatic Hunger: How to control your appetite by choosing the right foods.Weight loss isn't just about math; it's about hormonal balance. Whether you're interested in intermittent fasting, low-carb living, or simply improving your metabolic health, this deep dive will change the way you look at your body.Recommended Books by Dr. Jason Fung: 📖 The Hunger Code 📖 The Obesity Code 📖 The Diabetes Code 💬 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Have you ever experienced the "rebound" effect after a diet? What is the biggest challenge you face when trying to eat healthy? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below!👍 If this discussion helped you, like the video and subscribe for more science-based insights on fasting, hunger, and metabolic health.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to the Hunger Code 01:30 - What is Homeostasis? 03:45 - The Body Fat Thermostat Explained 06:15 - Why Calorie Counting Fails (The Big Lie) 08:20 - Hormones that Cause Weight Gain (Insulin & Cortisol) 10:45 - Hormones that Aid Weight Loss (GLP-1 & Testosterone) 12:10 - How to Naturally Lower Your Set Point============================= 📌 BOOKS: 👉 The Obesity Code - Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss and how low carb diets and fasting can help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?... 👉 The Diabetes Code - Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversible disease and dietary strategies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795BLS8D?... 👉 The Cancer Code - Scientific exploration of how cancer develops - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062894005?... 📌 Amazon: 👉 USA - https://www.amazon.com/shop/jasonfung 👉 Canada - https://www.amazon.ca/shop/jasonfung ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 📌 Please visit our :- 🔹 Website - https://www.doctorjasonfung.com 🔹 Blog- / drjasonfung 🔹 Community- https://www.thefastingmethod.com 🔹 Facebook - / jason.fung.313 🔹 Instagram - / drjasonfung 🔹 Twitter - / drjasonfung ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 📌 YouTube Medical Lectures (for specialist physicians): ▶️ The Roots of the Obesity Epidemic: https: // • The Obesity Epidemic, Explained ▶️ Therapeutic Fasting - The Two Compartment Problem:https: // • Fasting and Weight Loss - Solving the... ▶️ Does Calorie Counting work?: • Why Calorie Counting rarely leads to ... ▶️ Two Big Lies of Type 2 Diabetes: • Two Big Lies about Type 2 Diabetes ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ If you liked the video, Please Do Subscribe My Channel 😉😍 Keep Supporting me So I can Continue to provide you with free content each week!!😇 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 😍 😍 Thank you for Watching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is skipping breakfast better than skipping dinner for weight loss? When fasting, you'll often skip meals, so does it matter if you are skipping breakfast or skipping dinner? Absolutely. Dr. Jason Fung discusses how hunger works and discuss how to adjust your intermittent fasting schedule to maximize results. Dr. Fung shares 5 tips on dealing with hunger during fasting. Check out my blog at https://medium.com/@drjasonfungMore Information:BOOKS:The Obesity Code - Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss and how low carb diets and fasting can help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dThe Diabetes Code - Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversible disease and dietary strategies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795BLS8D?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dThe Cancer Code - Scientific exploration of how cancer develops - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062894005?ref=exp_jasonfung_dp_vv_dAmazon:USA - https://www.amazon.com/shop/jasonfungCanada - https://www.amazon.ca/shop/jasonfung**Fasting Aids**Pique Fasting Tea (recommended)https://www.piquetea.com/drjasonfungFasting Community and Coaching:https://www.thefastingmethod.com/YouTube Medical Lectures (for specialist physicians):1. The Roots of the Obesity Epidemic - https://youtu.be/q8BGYhreaco2. Therapeutic Fasting - The Two Compartment Problem: https://youtu.be/ETkwZIi3R7w3. Does Calorie Counting work? https://youtu.be/5F5o0a4p_3U4. Two Big Lies of Type 2 Diabetes - https://youtu.be/FcLoaVNQ3rc5. Reversing Type 2 Diabetes Naturally - https://youtu.be/mAwgdX5VxGc6. Insulin Toxicity - https://youtu.be/4oZ4UqtbB_g7. Saturated Fat - Friend or Foe? https://youtu.be/QetsIU-3k7Y8. Diet and Disease - https://youtu.be/2yoOx_7MLn09. Dangers of Fructose - https://youtu.be/pG89j432w-Y10. Insulin Resistance - https://youtu.be/dimP7IdM2Og11. Role of Hormones in Weight Loss - https://youtu.be/ZbnshVO4PRM12. The Obesity Code Lecture 1 - https://youtu.be/YpllomiDMX0Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoyL4iGArWn5Hu0V_sAhK2w/joinTimestamps:0:00 Skipping breakfast or dinner?0:58 Circadian rhythm of hunger1:56 Circadian rhythm of hormones2:30 counter regulatory hormonal surge3:26 Skipping Breakfast advantages and disadvantages5:12 Skipping Dinner advantages and disadvantages7:58 Dealing with hunger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices