The Peter Attia Drive

#167 - Gary Taubes: Bad science and challenging the conventional wisdom of obesity

Jun 28, 2021
Gary Taubes, an investigative science journalist and best-selling author, dives into the complexities of obesity research and challenges conventional wisdom on nutrition. He shares his journey from physics to journalism, highlighting the importance of skepticism in science. Taubes critiques outdated nutritional beliefs, emphasizing hormonal factors in obesity over caloric intake. He addresses the pitfalls of research biases and explores how these misconceptions have shaped dietary guidelines. With insights into low-carb diets, he advocates for a reevaluation of our understanding of obesity.
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ANECDOTE

Gary Taubes' Academic Shift

  • Gary Taubes initially majored in astrophysics but switched to applied physics after struggling with quantum physics.
  • He then pursued a master's in aerospace at Stanford, still considering becoming an astronaut.
ANECDOTE

Path to Journalism

  • At Stanford, Taubes lived with Naval pilots and realized he wasn't suited for astronaut work or military hierarchy.
  • This prompted him to shift his focus towards journalism.
ANECDOTE

Shroud of Turin and Scientific Skepticism

  • While at Discover Magazine, Taubes reported on the Shroud of Turin, challenging researchers' interpretations.
  • This sparked his realization about the susceptibility of scientists to bias and the importance of thorough background analysis.
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