The podcast series examines popular diets and their impact on health, with a focus on calorie counting and food restriction.
Professor Christopher Gardner, a leading researcher in diet and health, discusses the importance of counting calories for dieting.
The episode advises skipping if calorie counting and food restriction don't feel right.
Calorie counting gained popularity in the States 100 years ago and is still popular due to the law of thermodynamics - calories in, calories out.
Calories from different sources affect satiety differently, so a calorie isn't always just a calorie.
A caloric deficit leads to using stored energy, mainly fat, but it can lead to temporary misery and hunger.
The body fights back against weight loss, slowing metabolism and increasing hunger, leading to psychological challenges.
The Biggest Loser study showed that after significant weight loss, the metabolic rate decreased, making weight regain more likely.
Calorie counting requires eating fewer calories than before to maintain old excess weight, leading to a sense of deprivation.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes rates continue to rise despite the long-standing practice of calorie counting.
People are inaccurate at counting calories due to under-reporting, over-reporting, forgetting, or lying.
Personalization is key, as almost any diet can work for someone, but calorie counting may not work accurately or successfully for many.
The scientific literature supports that calorie counting is a short-term, not long-term, solution.
Christopher Gardner and Jonathan Wolff discuss the pros and cons of calorie counting in today's episode of the Zoe Science and Nutrition podcast.
The podcast is part of a special series on diets and health, and is not medical advice but for general informational purposes only.
Tomorrow's episode will focus on foods that are good for the heart and the Mediterranean diet.