Summary
In this podcast episode, host Peter Etia interviews Stefan Guyenet, a neuroscientist and biochemist known for his work on the nuances of obesity. The conversation covers the history of obesity, its association with adverse health outcomes, and the increase in obesity rates in the US over the past few decades. The speakers discuss the regulatory system for body fatness, known as the lipostat, which is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. They also discuss the heritability of obesity and the genetic factors that contribute to body mass index (BMI). The discussion then shifts to the neuroscience of food reward circuits and how exposure to highly preferred foods can devalue less preferred ones.
The context also discusses the effects of the carnivore and ketogenic diets on triglycerides, HDL, and LDL cholesterol levels. While some individuals experience a decrease in triglycerides and an increase in HDL, many experience a large increase in LDL cholesterol, which raises concerns about cardiovascular risk. The conversation emphasizes the need for nuance and a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between the carbohydrate insulin model and the energy balance model regarding adiposity and energy balance.
The speakers suggest that maintaining weight loss through diet and lifestyle strategies can be challenging and may require professional help. They also discuss the importance of understanding mechanisms to develop effective weight loss drugs. The conversation ends with a discussion of Red Pen Reviews, a nonprofit that publishes unbiased reviews of popular nutrition books. The organization reviews books based on scientific accuracy and healthfulness and aims to help authors write better books.
