Science Weekly Revisited: the real science of weight loss
Jan 1, 2026
Kevin Hall, a former physician-scientist renowned for his research on ultra-processed foods and weight regulation, joins the discussion to unravel the intricacies of diet and metabolism. He explains how our bodies resist weight change through metabolic adaptations and the role of appetite. Hall critiques the limited effectiveness of exercise for weight loss and sheds light on the issues with ultra-processed foods that lead to excessive calorie intake. He also recounts his departure from the NIH due to censorship, advocating for scientific integrity in nutrition research.
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Calories Matter — But Biology Pushes Back
- Calories largely predict fat change, but small deviations exist due to physiology.
- Kevin Hall explains metabolism and appetite adapt after calorie changes, changing outcomes over time.
Two Feedbacks That Resist Dieting
- The body reduces energy expenditure and raises appetite during dieting within days.
- These parallel feedbacks drive plateaus and make sustained weight loss difficult.
Use Exercise To Maintain, Not Just Lose
- Keep exercising even if the scale doesn't budge; exercise boosts health and function.
- Use exercise to help maintain weight loss over the long term rather than as the main tool to shed pounds.