Episode Overview

In this insightful conversation, Professor Jason Gill, a professor of cardiometabolic health at the University of Glasgow discusses the complex relationship between diet, physical activity, and health. With over 25 years of research experience, Prof. Gill brings clarity to often misunderstood topics about weight management, healthy eating, and long-term wellbeing.

Key Insights from This Episode:

The Complexity of Calories: Why “calories in, calories out” is true but oversimplified, and how different foods affect our body’s processing of calories
Ultra-processed Foods: A nuanced look at why not all ultra-processed foods are harmful, and the real mechanisms behind their impact on weight
The Truth About Diets: Evidence showing that different diets achieve similar results, with adherence being the key factor
Energy Density and Portion Size: How these factors influence our eating behaviour more than we realise
The Role of Food Types: The importance of balanced nutrition, with specific insights on carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
Long-term Success: Why we need 1000-day plans instead of 100-day plans for sustainable health

Practical Takeaways:

Focus on building long-term, sustainable habits rather than quick fixes
Find an eating approach you can stick to rather than following the latest trend
Understand food energy density and manage portion sizes
Aim for about 50% of calories from carbohydrates, focusing on low-glycemic options
Choose plant-based fats over animal-based when possible
Eat slower to allow your body’s fullness signals to work effectively

About Our Guest

Professor Jason Gill - expert in cardiometabolic health

Professor Jason Gill is a Professor of Cardiometabolic Health at the University of Glasgow. His research spans three main areas: epidemiology of chronic disease, biological mechanisms of diet and exercise effects, and development of lifestyle interventions. With funding from prestigious organizations including research councils in the United Kingdom, Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation, and the European Commission, his work has contributed significantly to our understanding of how lifestyle factors influence health outcomes.