Discussing Ultra Processed Foods and Weight Loss Drugs with Stephan Guyenet
Mar 14, 2022
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Noted researcher Stephan Guyenet discusses contributors to weight gain, genetic influences, and ultra-processed foods. They also talk about the new weight management drug semaglutide, a brief history of the pharmaceutical management of obesity, and Stephan Guyenet's Red Pen Reviews.
Weight loss drugs like semaglutide can cause significant weight loss and outperform other available options.
Ultra-processed foods, defined as heavily processed foods with many ingredients, tend to be less filling per calorie and can contribute to overeating.
GLP1 agonist drugs, such as semaglutide, target both the hunger regulation system and the reward system, leading to decreased calorie intake and potential benefits beyond weight loss.
Deep dives
Effectiveness of Weight Loss Drugs
Weight loss drugs that cause a 15 to 18% loss of body weight are considered highly effective. These drugs, such as Samaglutide, show promising results and outperform other weight loss drugs that are currently available. Samaglutide, a GLP1 agonist, has been shown to reduce cravings and hunger, leading to a significant decrease in calorie intake. It also has a positive impact on managing type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular events. While the drug is expensive and requires weekly injections, it offers an alternative to bariatric surgery with comparable weight loss results.
Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods are defined by the NOVA food classification system as foods made entirely or mostly from substances extracted from foods. These foods typically have a large number of ingredients, are heavily processed, and contain additives or chemicals to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life. Studies show that ultra-processed foods tend to be less filling per calorie and can contribute to overconsumption, leading to weight gain. However, the classification system is not without controversy, as it includes foods like white flour and butter in the minimally processed category, which may not necessarily be healthier options.
Impact of GLP1 Agonist Drugs
GLP1 agonist drugs, like Samaglutide, target both the homeostatic system, affecting hunger and body fat regulation, and the reward system, reducing cravings and reward-seeking behaviors. These drugs have shown effectiveness in reducing calorie intake, leading to significant weight loss. They also have potential benefits in reducing alcohol consumption, preventing online shopping addiction, and are being tested for smoking cessation. While concerns about the potential long-term effects on mental health and motivation exist, current studies and patient experiences indicate a favorable cost-benefit profile for these drugs.
Ultra-processed food leads to increased calorie intake and faster eating
The podcast discusses a study that compared the effects of ultra-processed food and whole foods on calorie intake and eating speed. The study found that participants who consumed ultra-processed food ingested more calories and ate their meals at a faster pace compared to those who consumed whole foods. This suggests that ultra-processed foods may contribute to overeating and unhealthy eating patterns.
Promising developments in weight loss drugs
The podcast explores the progress and potential of weight loss drugs. It highlights previous failures of weight loss drugs due to severe side effects, but also discusses new drugs that show promising results. These include combining certain drugs to enhance weight loss, developing oral GLP1 receptor agonists, and using antibodies to enhance muscle growth and decrease fat mass. These advancements indicate a growing number of effective options for obesity management and potential breakthroughs in weight loss treatment.
*The information in this podcast is intended for Healthcare Practitioners.
In this episode, Nathan speaks with noted researcher, science consultant, and science communicator Stephan Guyenet. They discuss contributors to weight gain and management, including genetic influences and ultra-processed foods, as well as the new antidiabetic and weight management drug, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Stephan Guyenet has a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Washington and spends his time in the neuroscience research world studying neurodegenerative disease and the neuroscience of body fatness. His publications in scientific journals have been cited more than 3,600 times and his book, The Hungry Brain, was named one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly and called “essential” by the New York Times Book Review.
Among other feats, he is the founder and director of Red Pen Reviews, which publishes informative, consistent, and unbiased popular health and nutrition book reviews available.
Highlights
Updates in the science of body weight (4:50)
The genetic contribution to body fatness (13:00)
About ultra-processed foods and why they are fattening (22:00)
A brief history of the pharmaceutical management of obesity (45:00)