ZOE Science & Nutrition Recap: Why you should stop counting calories | Giles Yeo
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Dec 23, 2025 
Giles Yeo, a biologist and science communicator known for his work on genetics and metabolism, challenges the old adage of calorie counting as the key to weight loss. He reveals why this approach oversimplifies the complex nature of food and appetite. Yeo discusses how food composition affects energy extraction and highlights the intricate relationship between hunger, fullness, and reward. He even shares why we might crave desserts even after a meal. Tune in for a thought-provoking take on weight management and eating behavior!
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Calories Are One-Dimensional
- Calories are one-dimensional and tell you only how much energy a food contains.
- They provide no information about nutrients, sugar, fiber, or how the food affects appetite.
Eat Less, But Eat Better
- Eat less but improve the quality of your food rather than worshipping a single calorie number.
- Focus on a balanced diet and choose higher-quality foods while reducing portions.
Choose Foods, Not Just Numbers
- Don't rely on calorie numbers alone when choosing foods from a store or app.
- Consider food composition: 300 calories from soda differs greatly from 300 calories of vegetables or protein.