BV #24: Nick Norwitz Says Calories Don’t Cause Obesity. Is He Wrong?

In this episode we discuss: 
-The truth about GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss drugs: benefits vs side effects   
Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide 
The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ 
Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   
Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:39 – unpacking Super Bowl ads for GLP-1 weight loss drugs  5:15 – why GLP-1 marketing is falling flat: are people waking up?  10:26 – are pharmaceuticals the solution for the modern food system?  14:40 – GLP-1 commercial downplays potential serious side effects  18:22 – the benefits of GLP-1 agonists for glucose metabolism  19:45 – the major difference between GLP-1 drugs and our own natural GLP-1 hormone  21:49 – GLP-1 drugs lead to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior  23:37 – gut problems, muscle loss, and 4x faster weight regain (additional side effects from GLP-1 drugs)  25:26 – risk vs. reward for GLP-1 drugs  29:53 –are GLP-1 drugs safe and effective long-term?  33:37 – GLP-1 drugs vs. diet and exercise  38:40 – using GLP-1 drugs for losing the stubborn weight and taking willpower out of the equation  43:13 – the “metabolic benefits” of GLP-1 medications  45:21 – whether it ever makes sense to take GLP-1 drugs for weight loss or improved health  48:31 – weight regain on GLP-1 drugs: are they a sustainable solution?  50:58 – severe undereating leads to faster weight regain, especially body fat  56:14 – weighing the convenience of taking weight loss drugs vs the side effects and long-term costs  58:23 – “food noise” vs. hunger and cravings  1:02:03 – how to get rid of “food noise” and chronic hunger and cravings  1:05:08 – sharing a listener success story: from carnivore and sad to crushing life with a bioenergetic approach

Download the free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/    Sign up for a free call for help with weight loss and other health issues: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/call/    Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 2:16 – Frost (FaceIQ) on why he transitioned away from carnivore to Ray Peat 4:27 – suboptimal blood test markers (low T3, low testosterone, high ferritin, etc) as a result of low-carb diets 6:20 – whether low T3 and elevated stress hormones are a problem on low-carb diets 11:46 – most people on carnivore experience deteriorating health over time 15:18 – debunking carnivore myths: modern fruit is sweeter, humans should be eating seasonally, and humans are not adapted to high sugar levels in fruits 20:57 – whether an increase in dopamine after eating fruit makes it an addictive drug 22:28 – carnivores don’t understand the Randle Cycle 26:19 – “carbohydrates are addictive” 27:24 – digestive symptoms when reintroducing carbohydrates 31:28 – ”once you start eating carbs you have to keep eating them” 33:05 – ”carbohydrates are not essential” 35:40 – the truth about sugar and glycation 39:07 – why the claim that fructose is toxic is false and the benefits of fructose 40:16 – “high-carb = high blood sugar = high glycation” 41:54 – carnivore excuses for high A1c on low-carb 44:01 – proof that low-carb dieting leads to high stress hormones  

In this episode we discuss: 
-Shawn Baker claims gluconeogenesis is fine – is he right? -Dr Rob Cywes on carb addiction, insulin resistance, and bariatric surger   
Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide 
The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ 
Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   
Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:47 – Shawn Baker compares gluconeogenesis to cholesterol synthesis – is the comparison valid?  2:47 – is increasing gluconeogenesis through low-carb diets optimal?  6:54 – problems with upregulating gluconeogenesis: stress hormones, ammonia, muscle breakdown, and insulin resistance  10:15 – Shawn Baker’s claim that breathing too much isn’t stressful – is that true?  12:28 – gluconeogenesis as the result of elevated stress hormones – is there a long-term cost?  14:24 – Shawn Baker’s social media post reveals flawed reasoning and a lack of critical thinking   17:47 – what “stress” really means and whether cortisol is always harmful  23:45 – the cost of upregulated gluconeogenesis, elevated glucagon, and low t3 on low-carb diets  25:15 – Dr Rob Cywes’ claim that carbs do no harm, it’s our relationship with them that’s the problem  29:09 – Dr Cywes’ claim that glucagon is more important than insulin  33:33 – you're not addicted to carbohydrates, your body just needs fuel  38:13 – Dr Cywes contradicts himself on carbs and obesity  40:37 – native cultures on high-carb diets don’t have obesity or insulin resistance  43:05 – whether high insulin levels drive fat gain and why low-carb diets don’t prevent insulin excursions  44:51 – is diet properly considered before bariatric surgery?  48:08 – many “high-carb foods” are actually high-fat foods  49:01 – bariatric surgeries ignore other possible root causes of metabolic dysfunction  49:53 – Dr Cywes misunderstands glucagon, insulin, and cellular energy production  56:48 – what Dr Cywes gets right: stress hormones increase in reaction to a cellular energy deficiency  58:57 – elevated glucagon drives insulin resistance and whether glucagon resistance exists  1:03:41 – reversing keto damage: weight loss, gut, and brain health on a bioenergetic approach

In this episode we discuss: 
-The calories in calories out model of obesity  -Dr Boz’s take on fruit and blood glucose spikes -Richard Smith on aging and the NAD+ to NADH ratio   
Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide 
The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ 
Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   
Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:17 – Is fruit evil or is Dr Boz insulin resistant?  5:00 – whether high blood glucose levels drive Alzheimer’s and dementia  7:39 – does glucose automatically get converted to fructose and fat?  10:58 – Dr Boz & Glucose Goddess’s fearmongering about fruit and glucose spikes   14:12 – Dr Boz parrots Robert Lustig: they’re both wrong about fructose  15:43 – concerns with blood sugar spikes when reintroducing carbs and whether using a CGM is worth it  17:32 – less, not more, glucose uptake in the brain creates the conditions for Alzheimer’s disease  20:15 – poor glucose utilization as a driver of Alzheimer’s and dementia  22:48 – reducing carbohydrate intake causes insulin resistance and less metabolic flexibility  26:27 – possible reasons for Dr Boz’s high blood sugar and our advice for Dr Boz  30:31 – our experiences with “keto snacks” and how keto caused intense cravings and binging  33:53 – Richard Smith on keto, NAD+ and aging  35:23 – what Richard Smith misses about glucose and the NAD+ to NADH ratio  41:00 – glucose metabolism leads to a higher NAD+ to NADH ratio than ketone metabolism  44:15 – how low-carb diets can restore the NAD+ to NADH ratio through stress pathways  47:02 – whether ketones are beneficial  49:57 – fats vs carbs: which is the better fuel for the NAD+ to NADH ratio?  55:17 – how to support healthy aging and NAD+ levels (hint: not low-carb)  1:00:31 – what the NAD+/NADH ratio actually indicates  1:05:02 – lower blood sugar with a bioenergetic approach

Check out the Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/ Check out the Energy Balance Food guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/ Check out the Energy Balance Solution here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy-balance-solution/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:47 – Sean’s professional bodybuilding career and how excessive exercise harmed his health  5:50 – Sean’s experience with various diets (keto, carnivore, fasting, low-carb, carb-cycling, low-fat, etc.)  12:37 – issues with the low-fat craze of the 1980s and the cost of constant diet cycling  18:09 – excess protein slowed Sean’s metabolism and caused major gut issues  24:35 – how the sugar diet helped Sean recover from excess protein intake and low-carb diet stress 29:15 – using colon massage and myofascial release to support digestive health  31:23 – sugar diet results and how it impacted Sean’s bodybuilding competition and sleep 34:36 – muscle loss, lower energy, and cravings on the sugar diet 36:33 – how Sean transitioned to a more balanced approach while listening to his cravings and hunger signals  40:23 – when it comes to exercise, more is NOT always better  42:26 – improved health and freedom from listening to your body with the bioenergetic approach  46:27 – how to reverse autoimmune conditions like ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using a bioenergetic approach  49:04 – Sean’s advice to young athletes on how to support long-term health  50:43 – how Sean overcame health dogmatism

In this episode we discuss: 
-The calories in calories out model of obesity  -What really causes fat storage  -Whether there are any concerns with consuming organ meats    
Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide 
The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ 
Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   
Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:56 – Nick Norwitz’s claim that calories don’t cause obesity and whether we agree  6:25 – the value and limitations of calories   14:27 – the true cause of obesity  19:40 – “excess calorie intake causes weight gain” is unhelpful and irresponsible  23:28 – how and when measuring calorie intake can be valuable  27:24 – do calories matter?  32:28 – how “it’s just calories” often places blame on the individual  34:26 – Nick Norwitz on when the calories-in-calories-out model “breaks”  37:28 – hypothyroidism and weight gain resolved using a bioenergetic approach  38:26 – thoughts on organ meats like liver, heart, kidney, stomach, and intestine  42:41 – freeze-dried or desiccated vs fresh organ meat  45:12 – Nutrition with Judy’s claim that “liver is not a superfood”  47:11 – can you overdose micronutrients like vitamin A and copper from organ meats?  49:43 – strategies for including more organ meats in your diet

Check out the Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/ Check out the Energy Balance Food guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/ Check out the Energy Balance Solution here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy-balance-solution/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro 0:25 – why your vitamin D levels are still low despite supplementing 3:17 – the dangers of low vitamin D for bone health & immune function 7:16 – essential nutrients and food sources to resolve low vitamin D 17:25 – top supplement recommendations for optimal vitamin D

In this episode we discuss:   Ray Peat’s ideas about fasting and the stress response Why relying on fatty acid oxidation is inherently stressful   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  1:03 – Ray Peat’s view on fasting for 12–15 hours without triggering stress  4:22 – the true definition of stress and how much stress is optimal  9:18 – how the efficiency of glucose metabolism and glycogen storage impacts stress  12:23 – whether we agree that fasting for 12–15 hours doesn’t cause stress in healthy people  17:05 – do hunger signals mean the stress response has already started?  21:08 – the short- and long-term costs of low carb diets  22:22 – finding balance between eating frequently to reduce stress and spacing meals out strategically  24:47 – why meditation, magnesium, and other tools don’t stop physiological stress  27:04 – Ray Peat on what happens when stored glucose (glycogen) runs out  28:53 – hypothyroidism as a driver of poor glucose utilization and liver glycogen storage  31:50 – stress hormones and elevated fatty acid metabolism characterize the stress response  34:50 – ketosis mimics starvation and lowers the metabolic rate  36:50 – sugar is anti-stress and whether sugar is addictive  41:46 – once you add in carbs you won’t go back  44:12 – how your body adapts when you add in carbs following low-carb diets  48:30 – Ray Peat on the harmful effects of fasting  50:14 – the cost of stress and increased fat metabolism  52:06 – the dangers of releasing PUFA from storage and how long it takes to deplete PUFA  55:11 – strategies for protecting against PUFA  1:01:50 – how long it takes to see benefits from lowering PUFA and setting expectations for progress  1:06:00 – binge-eating and food addiction resolved with a bioenergetic approach  1:10:48 – how low-carb and keto diets cause intense cravings and food obsession while a bioenergetic approach resolves them

In this episode we discuss:   Justine’s response to our critique of her arguments against Ray Peat’s work   Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/ Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:32 – recap of Justine Stenger’s claim covered in episode 19  2:26 – Justine’s response to our critique of her post  5:45 – why it’s crucial to separate personal feelings from intellectual discussions, especially when sharing information publicly  10:48 – our goal as health educators is not to shame or discredit individuals  13:33 – how today’s social media environment incentivizes low quality, thoughtless posts  18:30 – why attention and clicks take priority over quality on social media  21:34 – how to discern reliable information and whether we should outsource understanding to specialists  26:49 – how to develop true discernment in a world full of self-proclaimed experts  30:19 – Justine Stenger doubles down on her claim that fats are superior to carbohydrates32:47 –do carbs or fat better supports a compromised metabolic state?  39:45 – Justine contradicts her earlier claim that fat is a cleaner-burning fuel than carbohydrates  43:10 – Justine Stenger’s claim that glucose oxidation is only beneficial during hypoxia or the cell danger response  49:55 – why carbohydrates are the superior fuel source  55:17 – the difference between glucose oxidation and anaerobic glycolysis, and whether Justine is conflating the two  57:28 – how Ray Peat’s metabolic framework drives growth and expansion in society as a whole  1:01:53 – why having metabolic flexibility in a healthy state doesn’t refute our argument that carbohydrates are the superior fuel  1:08:23 – the inherent cost of favoring fat metabolism over carb metabolism, and why restoring carbohydrate utilization is essential for restoring a healthy metabolism  1:13:30 – Justine admits she hasn’t studied Ray Peat’s work  1:19:17 – Justine’s claim that it’s optimal to switch between fuel sources  1:20:55 – Justine’s claim that redox matter more than carbs vs fats  1:25:11 – did we publicly dismantle Justine’s work, and is it okay to critique others?  1:31:26 – Justine’s hypocritical shaming of us for addressing her incorrect claims about Ray Peat’s work and glucose vs. fat metabolism1:39:48 –there is no “Ray Peat Diet”  1:40:20 – how to embrace criticism and whether debates are typically helpful  1:45:04 – the responsibility that comes with being health educators  1:48:33 – common problems with debates and why we aren’t interested in debating Bart Kay  1:52:09 – how the nervous system impacts our ability to think critically  1:52:56 – problems with debates cont’d – are debates truly valuable?  1:57:24 – blood sugar improvements on a bioenergetic approach

Check out the Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/ Check out the Energy Balance Food guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/ Check out the Energy Balance Solution here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy-balance-solution/   Timestamps: 0:00 – intro  0:57 – how Andrew was introduced to Ray Peat, the bioenergetic view of health, and Jay’s energy balance approach  5:48 – why we structure our programs with teaching the “why” alongside clear action steps and strategies  8:41 – increased energy and lower blood sugar levels while increasing carbohydrates  15:09 – how the Energy Balance approach resolved nighttime binging, high blood pressure, gut issues, and improved sleep quality  19:02 – how restricting carbohydrates leads to binging and “carbohydrate addiction”  21:33 – setting health and weight expectations: how long does it really take to heal your metabolism?  27:07 – refeeding, weight regain, and paying back metabolic debt: the process of losing weight without compromising your health  31:20 – the importance of keeping a health journal and documenting symptoms and wins  33:46 – weight loss as a result of improved health  41:29 – the cost of losing body fat by cutting calories  47:08 – how we work with clients using the Energy Balance approach  49:57 – how extreme diets isolate, while Energy Balance reconnects us by removing food dogma and providing the energy for healthy connection  55:31 – Andrew’s experience learning and applying the Energy Balance system  59:23 – how we structure the Energy Balance programs to foster learning and create lasting health improvements  1:07:02 – how the Energy Balance approach reshaped Andrew’s coaching style