The Jesse Chappus Show 681: 1/2 Cup per Day to Fix Insulin Resistance & Shrink Belly Fat | Dr. William Davis
Dec 9, 2025
Dr. William Davis, a cardiologist and author of the bestselling book Wheat Belly, shares insights on overcoming insulin resistance. He explains why improving body composition matters more than mere calorie-counting, detailing strategies to rebuild muscle after dieting. Davis emphasizes the impact of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) on weight and insulin resistance, along with testing techniques. He also discusses the importance of fermented probiotics, specifically in yogurt-making, and their role in enhancing gut health and overall well-being.
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Why Calorie Restriction Backfires
- Cutting calories to lose weight causes permanent drops in basal metabolic rate by ~25% due to muscle loss.
- This explains why calorie-restriction weight loss commonly results in long-term weight regain as fat.
Protect Muscle — Don’t Cut Calories Long-Term
- Avoid losing weight by prolonged calorie restriction or GLP-1–style appetite suppression to preserve muscle and BMR.
- Rebuild lost muscle with resistance exercise and strategies that amplify muscle growth.
SIBO As A Hidden Metabolic Driver
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) with fecal microbes causes endotoxemia and drives insulin resistance, myosteatosis, and weight gain.
- Davis estimates SIBO affects roughly 50% of North Americans and is a major metabolic driver.
