Jason Fung

Controlling the 'Body Fat Thermostat'

Jason Fung

Summary

The concept of the body fat thermostat is explored, emphasizing its role in regulating body fat levels through homeostasis. Homeostasis is likened to a thermostat that maintains optimal conditions in the body, such as temperature and hydration. The discussion highlights that the body actively manages its fat storage based on various hormonal signals, which are crucial for survival. The speaker argues against the notion that humans are destined to gain weight due to easy access to food, pointing out historical instances where food was abundant without leading to widespread obesity.

Hormones such as insulin, cortisol, GLP-1, and GIP are identified as key players in adjusting the body fat thermostat. Insulin, for example, is shown to raise the thermostat, leading to increased hunger and potential weight gain, while GLP-1 can lower it, promoting weight loss. The speaker stresses that weight management is not merely about calorie counting but understanding how different foods affect hormonal responses and, consequently, hunger and satiety. The discussion concludes with a focus on the importance of controlling hunger rather than just calories for effective weight loss, a theme further elaborated in the upcoming book, "The Hunger Code."

Show Notes

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

More from Jason Fung

Oct 23, 2026

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/ETkwZIi3R7w​​3. Does Calorie Counting work? https://youtu.be/5F5o0a4p_3U​​4. 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_g​​7. 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

Oct 23, 2026

🌟 Fasting and Kidney Disease: Can Fasting Reverse Kidney Damage? | Scientific InsightsIn this video, we explore the fascinating link between fasting and its potential to improve various types of kidney diseases, including diabetic kidney disease, glomerular diseases, and polycystic kidney disease. Backed by groundbreaking scientific research and studies on both humans and animals, we dive into how fasting impacts nutrient sensors like insulin and mTOR to promote healing and reduce inflammation।🔍 What’s Covered in This Video:1️⃣ Diabetic Kidney Disease Reversal:➡ Discover how a fasting-mimicking diet reduced protein in the urine, a key marker of kidney disease severity।2️⃣ Mechanisms of Healing:➡ How fasting affects nutrient sensors (insulin and mTOR) to reduce growth signals, fibrosis, and scarring।3️⃣ Impact on Glomerular Diseases:➡ Insights into how fasting reduces inflammation in autoimmune kidney diseases like IgA nephropathy, membranous nephritis, and MPGN।4️⃣ Polycystic Kidney Disease:➡ How fasting and caloric restriction normalize kidney size and function in this genetic disease।5️⃣ Human and Animal Studies:➡ Highlights from human trials and rat studies that demonstrate the potential of fasting to protect kidney health।🎯 Why Watch This Video?➡ Understand the science behind fasting and kidney disease reversal।➡ Learn about new treatments beyond traditional, toxic drugs like prednisone।➡ Explore how fasting may stimulate regenerative processes in the kidneys।✨ Key Takeaways:🔹 Fasting lowers inflammation markers like CRP and growth factors like IGF-1, which are critical in autoimmune and chronic kidney diseases।🔹 Fasting-mimicking diets reduce kidney damage and promote healing at the cellular level।🔹 Fasting offers promising solutions for reducing proteinuria and improving kidney function।💡 Who Should Watch:✔ Patients and caregivers looking for alternative kidney disease treatments।✔ Medical students and professionals seeking insights into fasting’s health benefits।✔ Anyone interested in the science of fasting and chronic disease management।💬 Call-to-Action:If you found this video insightful, please like, comment, and share it with others who might benefit। Don’t forget to subscribe for more videos on fasting, health, and wellness!▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▶️ Timestamps/Chapters 00:00 – fasting has the potential to improve kidney disease in multiple different ways.01:35 – how do you control growth?02:15 – (mTOR) Mechanistic target of Rapamycin03:02 – mTOR and insulin04:38 – fasting mimicking diet05:34 – poly kidney disease============================= 📌 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 ▶️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 2026

Dr. Jason Fung explains how and why all calories aren't the same. The term 'A Calorie is a Calorie' assumes that only the amount of calories is important and not the type of calories. Yet different calories have different hormonal effects on our bodies which impacts their fattening effect. 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/ETkwZIi3R7w​​3. Does Calorie Counting work? https://youtu.be/5F5o0a4p_3U​​4. 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_g​​7. 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 #healthTime Stamps0:00 Intro0:15 Are Calories equally Fattening?1:06 Amount versus Type of Calories2:33 Energy Balance Equation4:57 Calories Analogy5:58 Reducing 'Calories In' also reduces 'Calories Out' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 2026

Are weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Tirzepatide truly miracle cures? In this in-depth video, Dr. Jason Fung breaks past the media hype to examine real-world data, including cohort studies from JAMA and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BHI), revealing a side of modern weight-loss treatments that few are talking about.While clinical trials paint a glowing picture, real-world statistics tell a different story: a massive percentage of patients—ranging from 60% to nearly 80%—stop taking these medications within one to two years. But why are millions of people walking away from a drug that promised them results?Dr. Jason Fung uncovers the three major hidden problems with modern obesity drugs that explain why patients ultimately throw in the towel. From the shocking drop-off in long-term persistence and the subtle erosion of life’s greatest daily pleasures to the frustrating reality that these drugs simply stop working over time, this video exposes the true cost of GLP-1 therapy.📌 In This Video, You Will Discover:● The Real-World Data: Why up to 80% of patients discontinue Ozempic and similar GLP-1 agonists despite having insurance coverage.● The Quality of Life Dilemma: How suppressing appetite often strips away the joy of eating, socializing, and celebrating milestones.● The Plateau Effect: Why weight loss quickly halts after 6 to 9 months as the body adapts and energy expenditure decreases.● The Long-Term Trap: Why simply telling patients to "take it forever" ignores human nature, clinical economics, and patient well-being.Whether you are considering these medications, currently on a weight-loss journey, or looking for sustainable, natural alternatives to health and fasting, this analysis provides the crucial insights you need.🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more science-backed health insights: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJasonFung▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ⏱️ Video Chapters (Timestamps): 00:00 The 3 Big Problems With Ozempic00:32 Ozempic and the History of Weight Loss Drugs01:55 Why Weight Loss Drugs Often Fail Long-Term02:48 Ozempic: Benefits, Risks and the Weight Loss Hype03:22 Why People Stop Taking Ozempic04:01 What Happens When You Stop Ozempic?04:53 Ozempic Discontinuation: 54% Stop Within One Year05:30 Real-World GLP-1 Weight Loss Drug Data06:29 Why People Really Stop Taking Ozempic07:00 How Ozempic Changes Hunger and Food Pleasure08:06 “Life Just Goes Beige” — The Hidden Cost of Ozempic08:35 Ozempic and Quality of Life09:00 Obesity Drugs, Side Effects and Quality of Life10:18 Why Ozempic May Stop Working Over Time11:01 Ozempic, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Weight Loss Plateau11:50 Why Weight Loss Plateaus After 6–12 Months12:42 The Real Problem With Ozempic13:31 The 3 Major Problems With Ozempic Explained14:01 Is Ozempic Worth It? Final Thoughts▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 📌 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!!😇 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 2026

Dr. Jason Fung shares why calorie counting doesn't work. Our hormones control how many calories we eat (Calories In) and our metabolic rate (Calories Out), so losing weight means we need to fix this hormonal imbalance, not just eat a few less calories. 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/ETkwZIi3R7w​​3. Does Calorie Counting work? https://youtu.be/5F5o0a4p_3U​​4. 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_g​​7. 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 #healthTimestamps0:00 Intro - The unasked question of weight loss1:01 The human body does not measure calories3:30 Energy Balance Equatio4:30 different calories evoke different hormonal responses8:30 the obesity epidemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See all episodes →