#157 - AMA #22: Losing fat and gaining fat: the lessons of fat flux
Apr 12, 2021
Dive into the fascinating world of fat flux and discover how fat enters and exits fat cells. Uncover the pivotal role insulin plays in fat balance and the myths surrounding ketosis and fat loss. Learn why low-carb diets may lead to fat loss for many, while also exploring the dynamic processes of energy balance and how they affect body composition. The conversation also touches on the metabolic functions of different types of adipose tissue, emphasizing the importance of understanding fat as a complex and active component of health.
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Fat Loss Methods
Losing weight means losing fat mass, which means shrinking fat cells.
Liposuction removes fat cells, but shrinking them through diet offers metabolic benefits.
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Fat Flux Concept
Fat cells grow or shrink based on the net flux of fatty acids in and out.
This concept, "fat flux," helps understand fat cell behavior.
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White vs. Brown Fat
White adipose tissue (WAT) is contrasted with brown adipose tissue (BAT).
BAT, with more mitochondria, has higher metabolic activity than WAT.
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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter and Bob take a deep dive into fat flux. They define the major players that impact the flow of fat entering and exiting a fat cell, which determines how much fat a person carries. They discuss the significant influence that insulin has on the net fat balance and explore common strategies, such as fasting and low-carb diets, that have efficacy in the liberation and oxidation of fat from fat cells. Additionally, Bob explains his research process and how he seeks answers to Peter’s challenging questions.
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We discuss:
The two main ways to reduce fat mass (1:30);
Explaining fat flux—how fat enters and exits a fat cell (9:15);
What fat balance looks like (21:15);
What net fat influx looks like, and the impact of insulin in lipolysis (24:30);
What net fat efflux looks like, and the benefits of fasting to break the hyperinsulinemic cycle (28:30);
Exploring why most people with excess body fat will lose fat mass when reducing carbohydrates or eating a ketogenic diet (32:45);
Why being in nutritional ketosis does not automatically translate to negative fat flux (fat loss) (42:40);
Bob’s approach to scientific research (47:00);
The importance of curiosity and a desire to learn (58:30);
Bob’s tips and tricks for answering a scientific question in a time-crunch (1:00:00); and
The Peter Attia Drive