How Ozempic Works and Why Diets Still Matter

🥣 The Curious Case of Dr. Kellogg: Surgeon, Cereal, and a Whole Lot of EnemasWhen you think of Kellogg, you probably picture cereal—maybe a sweet bowl of Frosted Flakes or Corn Flakes. But the real story behind Kellogg is far weirder than breakfast. It starts with a doctor. A good one. A very strange one.Meet Dr. John Harvey KelloggDr. John Harvey Kellogg wasn’t just any doctor. He was a skilled surgeon, and even Dr. Charles Mayo—the founder of the Mayo Clinic—called him one of the best abdominal surgeons he had ever seen.But Kellogg didn’t become famous for his surgery skills. Instead, he became known for his obsession with health, diet, and—believe it or not—poop.The Sanitarium and the Celebrity PatientsKellogg ran the famous Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan. This health resort attracted celebrities like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and even Amelia Earhart. People came there to “cleanse” their bodies with special diets, exercise, sunlight, and—yes—daily enemas.He believed almost every illness started in the colon. His solution? Flush it out. Constantly. Sometimes, with yogurt. Sometimes, both ends. I wish I were kidding.Kellogg’s War on PleasureDr. Kellogg didn’t just worry about digestion. He also believed that pleasure—especially sexual pleasure—was dangerous. In fact, he thought masturbation caused everything from bad digestion to insanity.To fight back, he recommended boring, bland food. No spices. No excitement. Just plain meals that wouldn’t "stir the passions."That’s how Corn Flakes were born. Kellogg invented them as a food so bland, they might help people forget about sex altogether.Cereal Becomes a BusinessNow, here’s where things get interesting. Kellogg’s brother, W.K. Kellogg, thought those flakes had potential—but they needed flavor. So he added sugar and started selling them to the public.Dr. Kellogg was furious. He believed sugar was poison. The two brothers fought in court. W.K. won. And that’s why your breakfast cereal today is sweet and not designed to stop anyone’s libido.What Science Says TodayLet’s be clear: Dr. Kellogg got a lot of things wrong.You do not need daily enemas. Your colon cleans itself.Yogurt goes better in a bowl than through a tube.Masturbation doesn’t cause disease. It’s a normal, healthy part of being human.And your desire to eat or love has nothing to do with how spicy your dinner was.While Kellogg’s focus on exercise and plant-based diets was ahead of his time, his fear of pleasure and obsession with “cleansing” caused more harm than good.The Strange LegacyDr. Howard Markel, in his excellent book The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek, dives deep into their story. He shows how Dr. Kellogg's strict health beliefs turned into fads—and how his brother’s sweet-toothed success made cereal a worldwide business. Markel, Howard. The Kelloggs: The Battling Brothers of Battle Creek. Pantheon Books, 2017. Kellogg's ideas were extreme, but they still echo today. Whenever someone tells you to "detox," do a cleanse, or eat bland food to fix your hormones—they might not realize they’re following a 19th-century surgeon who really hated...

What Is Ozempic or Zepbound, Really?You’ve probably heard about Ozempic or Zepbound. Maybe from a friend, a celebrity, or a TikTok ad. These are powerful medicines used to help people lose weight and manage diabetes. But what do they actually do?Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist—a type of drug that helps control hunger, improve blood sugar, and lower the risk of heart disease.But here's the big surprise: the real power of these drugs isn’t in your stomach—it’s in your brain.How It Works in the BrainGLP-1 medications like Ozempic work in two big ways:They help you feel full.They slow down how fast your stomach empties, so you stay full longer.They quiet the “food noise” in your brain.That’s the big one. These medicines reach areas in the brain like the hypothalamus and mesolimbic system (which includes parts like the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area). These areas are responsible for cravings, rewards, and motivation to eat.When GLP-1 hits these areas, it reduces dopamine, the chemical that makes you want things like cake or chips. It also increases serotonin, which helps with mood and feeling satisfied after eating.This makes it easier to stop eating when you're full and harder to overeat just because food tastes good.📚 Reference: Mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonist–induced weight loss. Am J Med. 2024.What About “Natural GLP-1 Boosters”?You might see ads for supplements or foods that say they boost your “natural GLP-1.” Some are even called “natural Ozempic.”Here’s the truth:Your body makes GLP-1 naturally.Yes, fiber-rich foods help make more of it.But no, it does not stay in your system very long—only a few minutes.That means your natural GLP-1 never reaches your brain like Ozempic does.Synthetic GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic) are made to last for days. They stick around long enough to enter your brain and turn down cravings.So no—berberine, vinegar, or sea moss are not the same thing.📚 Reference: GLP-1 in brain health and food reward. Front Neurosci. 2022.Common Myths You Should IgnoreLet’s talk about a few common myths—and what science says instead:❌ “It’s a cheat code.”✅ It’s not cheating. It helps your brain stop screaming for food all the time.❌ “You’ll lose all your muscle.”✅ Not if you eat enough protein and move your body.❌ “You’ll gain it all back.”✅ Only if you stop all your healthy habits. GLP-1s are tools, not magic.❌ “It’s just for weight loss.”✅ These drugs also lower your risk of heart attacks, stroke, and even possibly dementia.📚 Reference: Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes. NEJM. 2023.Want to Supercharge Your Results? Go Mediterranean.People on GLP-1s who follow a Mediterranean-style diet lose more weight than those who don’t.Here’s why:Supports your gut health.Boosts your own natural...

Longevity Without the Grift: What Actually Helps You Age BetterEveryone wants to live longer. That’s why people are plunging into ice baths, sweating in infrared saunas, and rubbing beef tallow on their faces like it’s a miracle cream. Meanwhile, supplement companies make billions selling capsules that promise eternal youth.But here’s the thing: we don’t need to chase immortality. We need to focus on healthspan—the number of years we stay active, sharp, and independent. Living longer doesn’t mean much if you can’t enjoy it.Let’s break it down.The Problem With the Modern Longevity IndustryFor centuries, people have searched for the secret to living forever. From ancient pharaohs to modern influencers, the idea hasn’t changed much. Today’s gurus don’t wear robes. They wear lab coats on YouTube. They sell methylated vitamins, resveratrol, and supplements with science-sounding names like NMN.Some of these people—chiropractors, Instagram influencers, even some doctors like Mark Hyman—promise more than science can deliver. What they’re selling often looks more like modern snake oil than real medicine.Here’s a good rule of thumb: if a product claims to reverse aging and comes with a monthly subscription, it probably doesn’t work.What Actually Works: Boring, Science-Backed HabitsThankfully, there are simple steps you can take that do help.Sleep: Get 7–9 hours a night. This is when your brain clears out waste and resets.Exercise: Move your body. Walk, lift weights, and do balance work. It all adds up.Vaccinate: Shingles and COVID vaccines reduce your risk of dementia. Shingrix alone cuts it by 20%.Statins: The last 40 studies show that statins reduce dementia risk by up to 20%.  PMID 34871380 Eat Like You Mean It: The Mediterranean DietOne of the best-studied diets in the world is the Mediterranean diet. It’s not trendy, but it’s powerful. One large study showed that it can increase longevity by up to 9% if you stick with it. SourceHere’s how it works:Red Meat: Limit to 4 ounces a day. More than that raises your risk for cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. After 3 ounces, your body stops absorbing more iron anyway.Olive Oil: Use it instead of butter. It’s packed with healthy fats and polyphenols like oleocanthal.Whole Grains & Legumes: Beans and grains reduce obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. They’re even higher in fiber than most fruits and veggies.Fruits & Vegetables: Eat a variety. Colorful foods mean more antioxidants and polyphenols.Wine: One glass. That’s 5 ounces. And yes, you still get a full Mediterranean Diet point if you don’t drink at all.What Doesn’t Work (Even If It’s Trending)Let’s be honest. Some things are popular, but pointless—or even harmful.Drinking alcohol "for your health"Avoiding vaccinesIgnoring blood pressure and cholesterolTrusting wellness influencers with no scientific backgroundRemember: no supplement undoes bad habits. And no guru can out-hack the Hayflick Limit. That’s the scientific cap on how many times your cells can...

Hi, I'm Dr. Terry Simpson, your chief medical explanationist. Welcome to another edition of FORK U—where we bust myths, make sense of the madness, and teach you a little about food and medicine.Today, let's explore how our food choices impact the environment and our health. We'll discuss lab-grown meat, grass-fed beef, and sustainable seafood.🍔 Lab-Grown Meat: The Future of Food?Imagine enjoying a burger that didn't require raising or slaughtering an animal. That's the idea behind lab-grown meat, also known as cultured meat. Scientists grow real animal cells in labs to create meat without the traditional farming process.The Spruce EatsVoxWhy consider lab-grown meat?Environmental Benefits: It could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 96% and use 99% less land compared to traditional meat production. California Management Review+1University of Colorado Boulder+1Animal Welfare: No animals are harmed in the process.Health Potential: Lab-grown meat can be produced without antibiotics, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. California Management Review+1Wikipedia+1While it's not widely available yet, lab-grown meat is a promising step toward sustainable eating.🐄 Grass-Fed Beef: Is It Worth It?Grass-fed beef comes from cows that eat grass instead of grain. Some people choose it for potential health benefits and better animal welfare. Modern FarmerPros:More Omega-3s: Grass-fed beef has about three times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef.Better Fat Ratio: It has a healthier balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative+3Wikipedia+3Understanding Ag+3Cons:Taste Varies: Not all grass-fed beef tastes the same. The flavor depends on the pasture quality, and some might find it less tender.Reddit+8Vox+8Grass Roots Farmers' Cooperative+8Cost: It's often more expensive than grain-fed beef.While grass-fed beef has benefits, it's essential to consider taste preferences and budget.🐟 Sustainable Seafood: Making Smart ChoicesSeafood is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, overfishing and unsustainable practices harm our oceans. Seafood WatchTips for Choosing Sustainable Seafood:Use Guides: The <a...

The Fry Lie: How McDonald's Fries Got Worse—Not HealthierFor years, McDonald’s fries ruled the world. They were golden, crispy, salty, and delicious. People called them the best fries ever made. But then something changed. Around the 1990s, fans noticed the fries didn’t taste the same anymore.What happened?Let’s dive into the real story of why McDonald’s fries lost their magic—and how the changes didn’t make them healthier. In fact, for a while, they actually made them worse.Once Upon a Time… in Beef TallowBefore 1990, McDonald’s cooked their fries in a special mix: 7% cottonseed oil and 93% beef tallow. That’s a fancy way of saying animal fat. This gave the fries a rich, savory flavor you couldn’t find anywhere else.Why did they use beef fat? Because Ray Kroc, the man who built the McDonald’s empire, wanted fries to taste like the original McDonald brothers’ version. He nailed it.But not everyone loved the fat.Meet Phil Sokolof: The Fry CrusaderPhil Sokolof wasn’t a doctor. He wasn’t a scientist. But he was a wealthy businessman from Nebraska who had a heart attack. After that, he became a full-time food activist. Think of him like an early version of today’s online influencers—lots of passion, not much science.Sokolof spent millions on full-page newspaper ads. His messages sounded scary:“The Poisoning of America”“McDonald’s: Your Hamburger Has Too Much Fat”It worked. The public panicked. McDonald’s gave in.In 1990, the company switched from beef fat to 100% vegetable oil.Oops… Now with Trans FatsAt first, this seemed like a healthy change. But here’s what they didn’t tell you: the new vegetable oil was partially hydrogenated, meaning it was full of trans fats—the most dangerous kind of fat for your heart.Trans fats increase your bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower your good cholesterol (HDL). They raise your risk of heart disease way more than saturated fat.In trying to remove one bad fat, McDonald’s accidentally replaced it with something even worse. FDA, 2015.They finally banned trans fats in the U.S. in 2018—but for almost 20 years, those “healthier” fries actually hurt people’s hearts more than the original version ever did.Flavor Fail: Enter the Beef “Natural Flavor”Customers missed the old flavor. So what did McDonald’s do? They added “natural beef flavoring” to the vegetable oil. Yep, they removed the beef fat… and then added beef flavoring back in.This confused people. Some vegetarians and Hindus believed the fries were plant-based. They weren’t, leading to lawsuits and even more public confusion.In the United Kingdom, McDonald’s fries are really vegan. But in the United States, that natural beef flavor still makes them off-limits to some groups.The Steak 'n Shake Beef Tallow ComebackNow&nbsp;fast-forward to today.&nbsp;Steak 'n Shake&nbsp;announced they were bringing back&nbsp;beef tallow for their fries, just like McDonald’s used to. This move caught the attention of RFK Jr., a well-known figure in politics and food activism.He praised the change. But here’s the problem: RFK Jr. isn’t a doctor. He’s not a nutritionist. In fact, he’s never taken a college-level science course.RFK Jr has a long history of pushing food myths and anti-science messages, just like early...

Superfood Snake Oil: Why Kale Won’t Save You (But Also Isn’t Killing You)Every week, there's a new superfood: sea moss, turmeric shots, raw milk, lion’s mane mushrooms, and the obligatory $18 acai bowl. These so-called miracle foods promise to heal your gut, detox your liver, reverse aging, and apparently, cure loneliness if you add enough coconut flakes.But here’s the reality: “superfood” is a marketing term, not a scientific one.Let’s dig into the hype, the risks, and what the research really says.The Superfood Scam: Health Halo for SaleThe term “superfood” has no regulatory meaning. It’s not recognized by the FDA, USDA, or any legitimate scientific body. It originated in marketing campaigns and caught fire because it sells. All you need is one small, usually poorly designed study, a press release, and a social media influencer to make your food the next panacea.Blueberries? Excellent.Avocados? Delicious.Are they miracle cures? No.References:Hasler, C. M. (2002). Functional foods: Benefits, concerns and challenges—a position paper from the American Council on Science and Health. The Journal of Nutrition, 132(12), 3772–3781. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/132.12.3772Turmeric: Anti-Inflammatory or Hepatotoxic?Turmeric has become the golden child of the wellness world. Its active compound, curcumin, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. But here’s the problem: it doesn’t absorb well, and most studies showing benefits are in vitro or animal studies, not humans.Worse? Turmeric has been linked to liver injury.Several case reports have now documented turmeric-related liver failure, especially when consumed in high doses or combined with alcohol or other supplements.So no, a turmeric shot after tequila won’t detox your liver. It may just damage it further.References:Luber RP et al. (2019). Acute Liver Injury With Turmeric Use. ACG Case Reports Journal, 6(5). https://doi.org/10.14309/crj.0000000000000113Nelson KM et al. (2017). The essential medicinal chemistry of curcumin. J Med Chem, 60(5), 1620–1637. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00975Raw Milk: Microbial Roulette, Not a Wellness HackLet’s talk about raw milk—a rising star among TikTok wellness influencers. The claim? Pasteurization destroys enzymes and nutrients. The truth? Pasteurization destroys pathogens that can kill you.Raw milk can harbor E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and Salmonella—especially dangerous for kids, pregnant women, and the immunocompromised. The CDC has linked multiple outbreaks to raw milk in the last decade.Pasteurization was a public health revolution. Rejecting it isn’t “natural”—it’s negligent.References:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Raw Milk Questions and Answers. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/rawmilk/raw-milk-questions-and-answers.htmlMungai EA, et al. (2015). Increased outbreaks of nonpasteurized milk–associated foodborne illness. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 21(1), 119–122. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2101.140447Sea Moss, Super Iodine, and HypothyroidismSea moss is having a moment. Touted for thyroid health and “minerals,” it's become a staple in online supplement stores. Yes, it contains iodine—but that’s a double-edged sword.Excess iodine intake can trigger thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and thyroiditis.If...

Is Fruit Bad For You?Have you heard the latest nonsense from the diet grift industrial complex?Apparently, fruit is now dangerous. Yes—fruit. The stuff that grows on trees and ends up in your kid’s lunchbox is being blamed for everything from diabetes to “metabolic collapse.”The same influencers who once screamed about seed oils are now coming for your bananas, blueberries, and yes, even your smoothies.It would be laughable if it weren’t so successful.I’ve Seen Real Diets That Work—They Include FruitMy father had a massive heart attack at 55. The kind that forces lifestyle change.But here’s the thing—he lived. He didn’t just live; he thrived.He made it to 98, living independently until the very end.And every single morning, he started his day with fruit: grapefruit, berries, and cantaloupe. He didn’t fear fructose. He just ate a balanced diet, and it worked.The Anti-Fruit Grift: A Modern Wellness ScamOn social media, fruit is now the villain of the week. According to the keto-carnivore crowd, fruit will spike your insulin, make you fat, and destroy your health.But right after shaming your banana, they usually offer a discount code for their liver pills or collagen powder.Even Paul Saladino—the original shirtless prophet of beef liver supplements—is eating fruit now. Apparently, scurvy isn’t a great look.Here’s the Truth: Fruit Is One of the Healthiest Things You Can EatLet’s stick to actual science. Fruit is one of the nine essential components of the Mediterranean Diet—a dietary pattern backed by decades of research, including landmark studies like PREDIMED and EPIC.The Mediterranean Diet recommends 250 grams of fruit per day. People who follow it experience lower rates of:Cardiovascular diseaseType 2 diabetesCognitive declineAnd guess what? Even people with diabetes do well when they eat whole fruit.According to large observational studies, such as the BMJ study by Muraki et al. (2013) and Li et al. (2016) in The Journal of Nutrition, higher intake of whole fruits—especially berries, apples, and citrus—is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, not an increased one.Smoothies: Not Soda. Let’s Stop the Nonsense.Yes, when you blend fruit, it digests faster. That’s true. But a smoothie made from whole fruit, with the fiber intact, is nothing like drinking a sugary soda.Want to improve it even more? Add protein, oats, chia, or yogurt. You’ve got a perfectly fine breakfast that’s far better than most boxed cereals.So drink your smoothie. Enjoy it. You’re not ruining your health. You’re nourishing your body.Cultures That Live Long... Eat FruitAll the world’s longest-lived populations eat fruit—daily.Okinawans enjoy papaya, guava, and sweet potatoes.Sardinians love figs, grapes, and citrus.Loma Linda Adventists consume berries and stone fruits, and live some of the longest lives in America.None of these groups fear fruit. And spoiler alert: none of them are blending bacon into their coffee.Beware of Magical Thinking (and Tallow)The real problem isn’t fruit—it’s the carnival of carnivore influencers selling meat-based miracles. These aren’t scientists. They’re entertainers with no credentials who demonize fruit while pushing “ancestral eating” and supplements derived from animals that... ate fruit.If your diet says yes to beef tallow but no to blueberries, it’s time to reevaluate who you’re listening to.Final Thoughts: Let’s Use Our Brains (and Eat the...

Weight Loss Surgery and Mediterranean Diet to GLP-1 and the Mediterranean DietFor years, I have guided my weight loss surgery patients toward the Mediterranean diet. Why? Because it’s not only delicious and sustainable, but it’s also backed by decades of science. Now, as GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Zepbound transform how we approach obesity, the question arises again: what should people eat while on these powerful drugs? The answer, as it turns out, remains the same.GLP-1 medications have undeniably revolutionized weight loss. These drugs, originally developed for diabetes, have rapidly gained fame for helping individuals shed significant amounts of weight. They work by reducing appetite, slowing stomach emptying, and altering hunger signals in the brain. Many patients simply cannot achieve sustained weight loss with diet alone, and for them, GLP-1 drugs are life-changing.However, while these medications help people lose weight, they do not address everything. Weight loss is only part of the equation. Nutrition still matters deeply. Without nourishing your body properly, you risk missing out on crucial benefits such as inflammation reduction, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive preservation.The Mediterranean DietThis is exactly where the Mediterranean diet shines. For decades, in fact, over 70 years, researchers have studied this dietary pattern. More than 13,000 scientific publications support its benefits. It’s not just about eating "like people in the Mediterranean." Rather, it’s about embracing a carefully studied set of foods, in specific amounts, shown to optimize health outcomes.For example, the diet emphasizes:Around 9 ounces (250 grams) of fruits daily.Plenty of vegetables and whole grains.Healthy fats, especially from olive oil.Lean proteins, particularly fish and legumes.Limited red meat and alcohol.Studies Showing the Diet Works For HealthThe science is clear. The PREDIMED study demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular events among followers of this diet. The EPIC studies have shown lower overall mortality, reduced cancer risk, and enhanced longevity. Furthermore, other research consistently links the Mediterranean diet to better insulin sensitivity, lower diabetes incidence, and reduced Alzheimer’s risk.So, how does this all connect to GLP-1 medications? Simple. If you are using GLP-1 drugs, you are already taking control of your weight. Why stop there? Combining these medications with a Mediterranean diet maximizes your health benefits. While the drugs help you eat less and lose weight, the diet ensures that what you do eat is packed with nutrition, anti-inflammatory compounds, and essential nutrients.Examples of the Diet in Real LifeIn practical terms, adopting this diet does not have to be complicated. For breakfast, try Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries, or overnight oats with fruit and nuts. For lunch, enjoy a salad filled with leafy greens, chickpeas, avocado, and stone fruits, drizzled with olive oil and lemon. For dinner, think grilled salmon or chicken, paired with quinoa or farro and plenty of colorful vegetables.Ultimately, GLP-1 drugs and the Mediterranean diet are not competing solutions — they are complementary tools. Together, they support not just weight loss, but whole-body health.If you are on a GLP-1 medication, remember this: losing weight is important, but being healthy while losing weight is essential. The Mediterranean diet remains the gold standard, helping you do both.Don't forget your vitaminsIf you are on a GLP-1 medication, please take a daily...

Welcome to the theater of absurdity.While the federal government waves the flag of victory over removing petroleum-based food dyes from snacks, it is simultaneously gutting critical public health programs like food inspection, bird flu monitoring, injury prevention initiatives, and scientific research grants. The result? A dazzling case study in misplaced priorities.Today, let's walk through what is actually happening — not the headline-friendly soundbites — and why Americans should be far more worried about E. coli in their milk than Red Dye #3 in their Skittles.The Food Dye Fear Mongering: What's Actually True?First, let's address the food dye hysteria head-on. Many news outlets, "wellness influencers," and natural health bloggers are breathlessly claiming that we are "eating petroleum" because some food dyes are synthesized from hydrocarbon molecules derived initially from crude oil.Here’s the scientific truth: petroleum-derived hydrocarbons are nothing more than basic building blocks of carbon and hydrogen — the same stuff that makes up olive oil, avocado oil, and the omega-3 fatty acids you proudly add to your smoothies. [1]Importantly, food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 are purified and rigorously tested substances. They are chemically synthesized from hydrocarbons, not "extracted gasoline." Saying Red 40 is gasoline is like saying salt is explosive because it contains sodium. It's chemophobic nonsense.Meanwhile, many of the same people yelling about food dyes are promoting supplements like methylene blue — another petroleum-derived chemical. Cognitive dissonance, much?Reference:ImmunoLogic. (2025). "No, You're Not Eating Gasoline." Retrieved from https://news.immunologic.orgMeanwhile, in the Real World: Food Safety Programs Are Being GuttedNow, while we're distracted by the horror of neon cupcakes, something far more dangerous is happening. Funding for critical public health initiatives is being slashed:Food inspection programs are being downgraded and shifted from federal oversight to inconsistent state programs.Bird flu monitoring — crucial in an era of rising zoonotic diseases — is being slashed.Injury prevention programs — those that track traumatic brain injury, car crashes, drownings, and falls — are being dismantled.According to reporting from Food Safety News, the Trump Administration's proposed budget would cut $128 million from the FDA’s food safety programs alone — programs that help prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness like the 2018 E. coli outbreak tied to romaine lettuce. [2]Reference: 2. Food Safety News. (2025). "FDA food safety funding faces big cuts." Retrieved from https://www.foodsafetynews.comLeadership Matters: Enter RFK Jr.You might ask, "Who’s steering this ship into the iceberg?" None other than Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of Health and Human Services.There’s a small problem: RFK Jr. never took a single science course during his undergraduate education — at least, none we can find. Yet he is now in charge of overseeing agencies that depend on scientific literacy, from the CDC to the FDA.No wonder policy is being dictated by what makes Instagram wellness bloggers like "Food Babe" happy. Forget investing in scientific infrastructure to actually prevent disease. Apparently, public health is now about making sure your lettuce won't "run away with your colon."And the Hypocrisy Continues: Milk and...

Welcome to FORK U. Fork University. Where we make sense of the madness, bust a few myths, and teach you a little about food and medicine.I’m Dr. Terry Simpson—surgeon, scientist, and your chief medical explanationist. At FORK U, we’re not here to sell you supplements or tell you carbs are evil. We’re here to bring the science back to your plate—with a healthy side of sarcasm.Food hasn’t been medicine for 2,000 years, and despite what the smoothie bowl crowd says, it still isn’t. But we do know that eating better can help you live better. And that matters.Our MissionHere’s what we do:✅ We bust nutrition myths that clog your feed and your arteries✅ We decode the latest studies in easy, bite-sized episodes✅ We bring the receipts—every episode is evidence-based and referenced at ForkU.comHistoryWe’ve revisited the foundational studies of nutrition, like Ancel Keys’ Seven Countries Study—which didn’t just compare nations but followed real people in real villages for decades. We’ve explored the French Paradox. We’ve even told the story of the surgeon who discovered the first vitamin.And we don’t just look back—we dive into current topics too: GLP-1s, gut health, ultra-processed foods, and yes—what happens when a shirtless influencer tries to sell you dehydrated buffalo hearts in the name of ancestral living. (Spoiler: you’re better off with lentils.)If you’re tired of pseudoscience disguised as wellness, and you want real answers—served with wit, citations, and no BS—welcome to FORK U.Let’s eat smarter. Let’s myth-bust louder. And let’s get cooking.