ZOE Science & Nutrition Does calorie counting improve your health?
Jan 23, 2024
Christopher Gardner, a Professor of Medicine at Stanford and Director of Nutrition Studies, dives into the complexities of calorie counting. He explains why this age-old method remains popular yet often fails in practice. The discussion reveals that not all calories affect hunger the same way and that the body's reactions to caloric deficits are intricate. Gardner emphasizes that successful weight loss is more than just counting calories; it involves understanding metabolic responses and the sustainability of dietary choices.
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Calorie Counting's Flaw
- Calorie counting prioritizes total intake over food type, but this can be problematic.
- Different foods with the same calories affect satiety and metabolism differently.
Calorie Deficit and Fat Storage
- When you consume fewer calories, your body taps into stored fat for energy.
- Fat storage is an efficient way to store energy, but it can lead to weight gain in calorie-rich environments.
Body's Response to Calorie Restriction
- When you cut calories, your body fights back by increasing hunger and slowing metabolism.
- This makes weight loss harder and leads to psychological issues, like feeling like a failure.