41: How to Fast for a Faster Metabolism | Jason Fung, MD

Hormonal Issue

Obesity is often debated as either a problem of calorie balance or a hormonal issue. Jason Fung argues that the calories in, calories out model is overly simplistic and doesn't address the root causes of obesity. He explains that hormonal factors, such as hunger and basal metabolic rate, play a crucial role in regulating weight, making it more complex than just managing calorie intake and expenditure 1 2.

Ultimately, it is entirely true that it's calories in, calories out, but it's not useful in any way. That is, why are calories in going up and why are calories out going down? That's the real problem, not that they are going up or they are going down.

--- Jason Fung

Fung emphasizes that understanding these hormonal controls is essential for effective weight management.

   

Medical Role

The medical community has historically treated obesity as a simple issue of calorie control, often neglecting its hormonal aspects. Jason Fung criticizes this approach, noting that many doctors have abandoned the field to commercial weight loss programs 3. He shares his journey from treating kidney disease to focusing on obesity, highlighting the interconnectedness of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease 4.

The reason a lot of doctors had sort of abandoned the field was because what they were taught was almost, I think, entirely wrong. Their treatments were almost entirely wrong.

--- Jason Fung

Fung advocates for a shift in medical practice to address the root causes of obesity, ultimately improving patient outcomes.