142. Building a Case for Keto with Gary Taubes

Bad Science

Gary's journey into nutritional research began with his background in science journalism, where he uncovered instances of bad science. He explains how the nutrition and chronic disease research community often bypasses rigorous testing, leading to widespread misconceptions. This lack of rigorous testing contrasts sharply with the principles upheld in hard sciences, as emphasized by Nobel laureate physicist Richard Feynman:

The first principle of science is you must not fool yourself, and you're the easiest person to fool.

--- Richard Feynman

Gary's investigative work revealed that public health guidelines were often based on untested hypotheses, leading to flawed dietary recommendations 1 2.

   

Obesity Misconceptions

Gary challenges the traditional belief that obesity is simply caused by overeating. He argues that obesity is a hormonal disorder, influenced by factors beyond just caloric intake. Historical misconceptions, like those from researcher Louis Newburg, have perpetuated the idea that overeating is the sole cause of obesity 3.

Researchers have long assumed that taking in more energy than you expend is the cause of obesity, without considering the hormonal factors at play.

--- Gary Taubes

Gary's work aims to shift the focus towards understanding the hormonal regulation of fat accumulation 4.

   

Carbohydrates and Fat

The role of carbohydrates and fat in diet is often misunderstood. Gary explains that insulin, a hormone secreted in response to carbohydrates, plays a crucial role in fat storage. He argues that the shift towards low-fat, high-carb diets has contributed to the obesity epidemic 5.

The amount of fat we keep in storage is regulated by the carbohydrates we eat. Removing carbs can help mobilize fat and prevent its storage.

--- Gary Taubes

Gary advocates for a ketogenic diet, which replaces carbohydrates with fats, to lower insulin levels and promote fat mobilization 6.