Jason Fung

A Calorie Deficit cannot EVER exist – here’s why!

Jason Fung

Summary

Marketers are increasingly voicing concerns about the disconnect between ad campaign metrics and actual business results, coining the term "bullspend" to describe ineffective spending that looks good on dashboards but fails to drive revenue. This phenomenon highlights the importance of focusing on tangible outcomes rather than superficial metrics like impressions. The discussion emphasizes that platforms like LinkedIn can provide better returns on ad spend, encouraging businesses to reassess their advertising strategies.

In a deeper dive into weight loss, the conversation challenges the traditional understanding of the calorie deficit. It argues that the energy balance equation—calories in versus calories out—does not account for the body's hormonal responses, particularly insulin. High insulin levels prevent the release of stored body fat, which can lead to a situation where individuals consume fewer calories but do not lose weight. Instead, the discussion advocates for a focus on the types of foods consumed, suggesting that lower insulin-stimulating foods can facilitate fat loss even when caloric intake remains the same.

The implications of this perspective suggest that not all calories are equal; refined carbohydrates may lead to higher insulin levels and increased fat storage, while whole foods like vegetables and lean proteins promote fat burning. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the need for a holistic approach to weight management that prioritizes hormonal balance over mere calorie counting.

Show Notes

Most people are told that “weight loss = calorie deficit.” But the truth is, a caloriedeficit is a myth. Your body is not a simple calculator where you just subtractcalories and lose fat. In this video, Dr. Jason Fung explains the science behindwhy focusing only on calories fails, and why hormones, insulin, and fatmetabolism are the real keys to healthy and lasting weight loss.When people try extreme dieting or drug-induced appetite suppression, theyoften experience side effects like the dreaded “Ozempic face” — hollow cheeks,sagging skin, and an unhealthy look. This happens because subcutaneous fat(the fat under the skin) gets burned instead of visceral fat (the dangerous fataround your organs). The result: you may lose weight, but you don’t look or feelhealthy.Fasting works completely differently. Instead of just cutting calories, fastingchanges your hormones and metabolism:�� Insulin drops, allowing fat burning to start�� Growth hormone rises, protecting muscle and skin elasticity�� Autophagy activates, repairing tissues and preventing loose skin�� Visceral fat is targeted, which improves health and appearance�� Brown fat (through beiging) is activated, boosting metabolism naturallyThat’s why people who fast look healthier, stronger, and younger compared tothose who follow harsh calorie-restricted diets.In this video you’ll discover:✅ Why calorie restriction almost always fails✅ The science of subcutaneous vs. visceral fat✅ How fasting avoids the “Ozempic face” problem✅ The role of hormones in fat burning and aging✅ How fasting improves skin health, prevents sagging, and supports long-termfat loss�� If you’re serious about losing weight without losing your health or youthfulook, this video is a must-watch.�� Subscribe now for more science-backed videos on fasting, weight loss, anmetabolic health. And don’t forget to like ��, comment ��, and share this vidwith anyone who still believes in the calorie deficit myth!▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps0:00 – Introduction: Why “calorie deficit” is a myth1:10 – The calorie counting problem explained2:30 – How calorie restriction affects your body3:45 – Subcutaneous vs. visceral fat: which one really matters?5:20 – Why fasting is different from dieting6:40 – Hormonal impact: insulin, growth hormone & fat burning8:00 – Fasting and skin health (no sagging, no hollow cheeks)9:25 – Autophagy and natural skin tightening10:45 – White fat vs. brown fat (the beiging effect)11:50 – Key takeaway: Why calorie deficit cannot ever exist=============================�� BOOKS:�� The Obesity Code - Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss anhow low carb diets and fasting can help.https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?...�� The Diabetes Code - Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversibldisease and dietary strategies. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0795BLS8D?...�� The Cancer Code - Scientific exploration of how cancer developshttps://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 2Diabetes▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬If you liked the video, Please Do Subscribe My Channel ����Keep Supporting me So Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from Jason Fung

Oct 30, 2026

Learn more about Ancestral Supplements:Code: FUNGLink: https://ancestralsupplements.com/FUNG(Disclosure: This video was sponsored by Ancestral Supplements. Note that I use this brand personally at this moment because I believe in a whole food supplement)Most people still believe weight gain is simply about calories.But if calorie restriction alone worked long-term, why do so many people struggle?In this conversation, Dr. Jason Fung sits down with Julia from Ancestral Supplements to explore the hormonal model of weight gain, insulin, ultra-processed foods, and how modern eating patterns may influence metabolism.Topics discussed:• Why “calories in, calories out” may be incomplete• Insulin as a key metabolic hormone• How processed foods can affect hunger and satiety• The difference between whole foods and refined foods• Understanding insulin sensitivity• The role of nutrient density in traditional dietsWeight regulation is complex and involves more than simple math. This discussion explores how hormones, food quality, and dietary patterns may play a role.If you found this conversation helpful, consider sharing it with someone who may benefit from hearing it.—Learn more about Ancestral Supplements:https://www.AncestralSupplements.comFollow Ancestral Supplements on Instagram:https://instagram.com/AncestralSupplementsFollow Julia on Instagram:https://instagram.com/JuliaTheNutritionist—This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30, 2026

Have you been told that losing weight is simply about "eating less and movingmore"? For decades, the "Calories In, Calories Out" model has been the goldstandard for weight loss. But what if it is completely wrong?In this Masterclass, I break down the real reason you can't lose weight:Hormones. We dive deep into the science of obesity and explore why caloriecounting fails 99% of the time, as proven by massive studies like the Women'sHealth Initiative.Weight gain is not a character flaw or a lack of willpower—it is a hormonalimbalance. We will discuss exactly how hormones like Insulin, Cortisol, Thyroid,and Testosterone control your body fat, and more importantly, how you can fix it.In this video, you will learn:● �� Why the 'Eat Less, Move More' advice is scientifically flawed.● �� How hormones dictate whether your body stores or burns fat.● �� The truth about weight-loss drugs like Ozempic (GLP-1).● �� Why the 1977 dietary guidelines triggered the obesity epidemic.● ✅ The ultimate, natural solution to lower insulin and lose weighteffortlessly.� Join the Conversation: Have you struggled with calorie-counting diets in thepast? What hormonal changes have you noticed on your weight loss journey?Let me know in the comments below!� Subscribe to the channel for more science-backed health insights:https://www.youtube.com/@DrJasonFung⏱️ Video Chapters (Timestamps):00:00 - The Biggest Weight Loss Myth (Calories In vs. Calories Out)01:29 - Proof That "Eat Less, Move More" Doesn't Work03:29 - Causality: Why Hormones Control Body Fat03:52 - Insulin: The Fat-Storing Hormone04:45 - How Stress (Cortisol) Makes You Fat06:51 - Testosterone, Estrogen & Menopause Weight Gain09:56 - How Ozempic & GLP-1 Drugs Actually Work12:10 - The 1977 Dietary Guidelines & Obesity Epidemic14:12 - The Real Solution: How to Fix Your Hormone▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬�� 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 2Diabetes▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬If you liked the video, Please Do Subscribe My Channel ����Keep Supporting me So I can Continue to provide you with free contenteach week!!��▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬�� �� Thank you for Watching#WeightLoss #DrJasonFung #HealthTips #Metabolism #HormoneHealth� Learn more about fixing your metabolic health here: www.doctorjasonfung.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30, 2026

Intermittent Fasting Myths - Top 5 | Intermittent Fasting | Jason Fung🌟 Debunking Intermittent Fasting Myths! 🌟Intermittent Fasting (IF) has become a popular way to improve health and manage weight. However, it's also surrounded by several myths that need debunking:1. ⭐Starvation Mode: Learn why the body doesn't enter "starvation mode" during IF and how it actually works.2. 🍔Uncontrolled Hunger: Discover how to manage hunger pangs and cravings while fasting effectively.3. 💪 Burns Muscle: Understand why IF can preserve muscle mass rather than burning it.4. 🥗 Deprives the Body of Nutrients: Find out how IF can provide essential nutrients and promote better nutrient utilization.5. 🔄 **Unsustainable Fad Diet:** Explore why IF can be a sustainable and adaptable lifestyle, not just a temporary diet.Join us in dispelling these misconceptions and uncovering the truth about Intermittent Fasting. Hit the like button 👍, subscribe for more informative content, and ring the notification bell 🔔 to stay informed!👉Join my membership for perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoyL4iGArWn5Hu0V_sAhK2w/join▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▶️ Timestamps / Chapters0:00 Intro0:22 Myth 1 (Starvation mode) 2:41 Myth 2 (Uncontrolled hunger) 4:40 Myth 3 (Burns muscle) 6:16 Myth 4 (Deprives the body of nutrient) 7:44 Myth 5 (Unsustainable fad diet)9:14 Outro =============================📌 BOOKS:👉 The Obesity Code - Reviewing underlying physiology of weight loss and how lowcarb diets and fasting can help. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1771641258?...👉 The Diabetes Code - Reviewing how type 2 diabetes is a reversible disease anddietary 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▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬If you liked the video, Please Do Subscribe My Channel 😉😍Keep Supporting me So I can Continue to provide you with free content eachweek!!😇▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬😍 😍 Thank you for Watching!#IntermittentFastingMythsTop5 #IntermittentFasting #IntermittentFastingBenefits#JasonFung #WeightLoss #IntermittentFastingSolutions #ntermittentFastingProblem #IntermittentFastingMyths Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 30, 2026

🌟 Welcome to the Fasting & Longevity Summit 2.0 Series! 🌟A Conversation with Dr Bosworth | 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=3679We’re thrilled to launch a groundbreaking new series where Dr. Fung engages in in-depth conversations with world-class experts in health, wellness, and nutrition. Each episode is a journey into transformative health practices that can change your life.In this episode, Dr. Fung is joined by Dr. Annette Bosworth (Dr. Boz), a renowned internal medicine doctor with a unique, patient-centered approach to healing. Together, they dive deep into:✅ Breaking free from traditional medicine.✅ Using ketogenic diets and fasting to reverse chronic illnesses.✅ Dr. Boz’s personal journey from conventional healthcare to holistic wellness.✅ Inspiring success stories, including how she helped her own mother overcome life-threatening conditions through innovative, natural approaches.💡 Key Takeaways from This Podcast:✔️ The limitations of conventional medicine and how to move beyond them.✔️ The power of nutrition and fasting in fighting chronic diseases.✔️ Real-world strategies for improving metabolic health and longevity.🎉 Don’t Miss Out:This series is your ultimate resource for actionable insights and expert advice to take control of your health and boost your longevity.✨ Special Event Invitation:Join Dr. Jason Fung, Dr. David Jockers, and Dr. Joseph Mercola at the Fasting and Longevity Summit 2.0! Learn from over 40 top health experts sharing cutting-edge strategies to transform your health and even slow aging. This life-changing event is completely FREE—register here to unlock full access: [Insert Event Link]🔔 Subscribe for More!Join the community revolutionizing health and longevity. Tap Subscribe, give this video a Like, and turn on Notifications to never miss an episode!📌 Let’s Connect:💬 What’s one health tip you’ve discovered that made a big difference in your life? Share in the comments below!============================= 📌 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

Oct 30, 2026

Most people are told to eat less, count calories, and “try harder.” But what if that advice is the real reason so many people struggle with weight and health?In this broadcast, we dive deep into why controlling hunger matters more than counting calories, and how your body’s hormones—not willpower—play the biggest role in fat loss and metabolic health.You’ll learn:● Why calorie restriction often backfires● How hunger is driven by hormones like insulin● Why feeling hungry all the time is NOT your fault● What actually helps you eat less without suffering● How a metabolic approach changes long-term resultsThis conversation is especially helpful if you’ve tried diets before and felt stuck, frustrated, or blamed yourself for “not being disciplined enough.”The goal here isn’t quick fixes. It’s understanding your body—so results finally make sense.👇 Join the conversation Have you ever felt hungry even while dieting or eating “healthy”? Share your experience in the comments.👍 If this discussion helped you, like the video and subscribe for more science-based insights on fasting, hunger, and metabolic health.▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – Why This Conversation Matters 02:10 – The Biggest Mistake People Make About Dieting05:05 – Calories vs Hunger: What Actually Drives Weight Gain08:40 – Why Willpower Fails in Long-Term Weight Loss12:20 – The Role of Insulin in Hunger & Fat Storage16:30 – Why Eating Less Often Makes You Hungrier\20:05 – What Most Diet Advice Gets Completely Wrong23:40 – A Better Way to Think About Food & Hunger27:10 – Metabolic Health vs Calorie Control30:40 – Who This Approach Works Best For34:10 – Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts37:18 – End of Broadcast============================= 📌 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

See all episodes →