Dec 23 2024 10 mins
The episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast delves into the complex debate surrounding the causes of obesity, focusing on two competing models: the energy balance model (EBM) and the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM). While EBM suggests that obesity is largely due to an imbalance of calories consumed versus expended, CIM argues that hormonal responses, particularly triggered by refined carbohydrates leading to elevated insulin levels, play a pivotal role in fat accumulation. Both models recognize the challenges posed by modern food environments and the influence of various factors like lifestyle and socioeconomic status.
Furthermore, the episode reveals that these contrasting theories offer different approaches to managing and potentially reversing obesity. EBM sees the brain's altered hunger perception as central to obesity, whereas CIM highlights the concept of "internal starvation" caused by insulin spikes that drive continuous hunger despite calorie intake. Consequently, CIM advocates for reducing the intake of refined carbs, suggesting this could have more far-reaching benefits in obesity management than simply focusing on calorie reduction.
Ultimately, while acknowledging the merits of both models, the article leans towards the CIM approach, emphasizing the importance of returning to a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods. It argues that avoiding processed foods and focusing on nutrient-dense meals can help combat food addictions and improve metabolic health. The episode concludes with a call to prioritize traditional, natural eating habits over modern processed diets, especially for those with conditions like type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, highlighting a preference for whole foods that have been staples throughout human history.
For full show notes and information:
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/9022/what-causes-obesity-
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