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The DemystifySci Podcast

What's Making People So Fat? - DemystifyPod #258

Jun 20, 2024
Dr. Barbara Corkey, an Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry at Boston University, uncovers surprising insights into the obesity epidemic. She argues that environmental toxins, rather than just calories in versus calories out, play a significant role in weight gain. The conversation explores how processed foods affect health, the influence of dietary fats, and the misconceptions surrounding obesity. Corkey emphasizes the need for research into these chemicals and advocates for a deeper understanding of their impact on metabolic diseases.
02:05:18

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Quick takeaways

  • Dr. Corkey reveals that environmental toxins in processed foods significantly influence insulin levels and overall obesity rates, challenging traditional beliefs about calorie consumption.
  • The narrative around obesity is shifting towards recognizing it as a systemic issue influenced by genetic and environmental factors rather than individual failings.

Deep dives

Impact of Food Additives on Insulin Secretion

Research indicates that certain common food additives can stimulate insulin secretion even in the absence of glucose. In experiments with insulin-secreting cells, several substances including monoliglycerides, iron, and saccharin were found to elevate insulin levels significantly. These findings suggest that such compounds may contribute to elevated insulin levels in individuals consuming processed foods, potentially playing a role in the obesity epidemic. The connection between these additives and increased insulin secretion illustrates a need for further investigation into how they affect metabolic health.

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