Jason Fung

The Truth About Calories | Jason Fung | Part 1

Jason Fung

Summary

The discussion centers on the misconceptions surrounding weight loss and the role of calories in the human body. It emphasizes that while many believe weight gain is simply a matter of calories in versus calories out, the reality is more complex. The body does not have a mechanism to measure calories; instead, it responds to hormones that dictate how energy from food is utilized. Different types of food provoke distinct hormonal responses, which ultimately influence whether the body stores fat, builds muscle, or expels energy.

The conversation highlights that the obesity epidemic cannot be solely attributed to increased calorie consumption. Instead, it points to changes in the types of calories consumed and the frequency of eating as significant factors. This shift has altered hormonal responses, complicating the traditional understanding of weight management. The speaker argues that focusing on hormonal responses rather than calorie counting will lead to more effective weight loss strategies, as the body requires specific instructions on how to handle the energy it receives from food.

Show Notes

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

More from Jason Fung

Oct 23, 2026

Can women use intermittent fasting for health and weight loss? Dr. Jason Fung discusses the difference between men and women and special guest Megan Ramos from The Fasting Method shares three tips that may work better for women, including the 30/16 fasting regimen. 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/YpllomiDMX0Timestamps:0:00 Intermittent fasting for women0:45 Puberty and weight distribution1:57 Menopause and weight gain3:32 Sleep disturbance and women4:10 Intermittent fasting studies in women5:20 Fasting tips for women - from Megan Ramos5:32 OMAD - the 30/16 fast6:46 Try longer fasts7:15 Plan fasting around monthly cycles8:34 Debra's story of fastingJoin 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

Oct 23, 2026

The REAL Keys to Longevity - 2 Key Factors | Jason FungIn this video, Dr. Jason Fung breaks down the most crucial factors for living a long and healthy life—and it’s not all about cholesterol! 🌟 If you’re aiming to improve your healthspan and longevity, you need to focus on the diseases that pose the biggest risks: cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) and cancer.What You’ll Learn:Cardiovascular Disease: Learn why heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death and how type 2 diabetes dramatically increases your risk. Dr. Fung shares insights from a massive study involving 1.5 million participants across 34 countries!Diabetes vs. Cholesterol: Discover why type 2 diabetes is a much more significant risk factor for heart disease compared to LDL cholesterol. The data is clear: controlling diabetes can add years to your life, while lowering cholesterol may only add a few days.Cancer Risks: Understand the major factors that contribute to cancer, including smoking and obesity. Dr. Fung highlights how diet and obesity are more critical than many other commonly discussed risks.The Power of Fasting: Learn how fasting can help reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity, leading to a healthier, longer life. Dr. Fung explains how extending your fasting periods can help your body burn excess glucose and fat, significantly improving your health.Why This Matters:By focusing on controlling type 2 diabetes and managing your weight through diet and fasting, you can drastically reduce your risk of major diseases and enhance your healthspan. This video is packed with actionable advice and is a must-watch if you’re serious about living a longer, healthier life.Don’t Forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe for More Health Tips! 👍🔔▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▶️ Timestamps / Chapters0:00 intro00:03 health span and longevity, it’s not about the cholesterol02:57 how much longevity is gained by taking a statin?04:45 what about cancer?06:03 obesity related cancers06:57 how to lose weight?08:30 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!#Healthspan #Longevity #DrJasonFung #IntermittentFasting #Type2Diabetes #WeightLoss #HeartHealth #CancerPrevention #FastingBenefits #HealthyLiving #CholesterolMyth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 2026

🌟 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

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

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

See all episodes →