GLP Podcast: Will we ever solve the obesity crisis? Science writer Mark Schatzker

Americans are getting heavier and experts aren’t sure what to do about it. Cutting fat and carbs out of our diets doesn’t help us slim down, neither do taxing soda or “nudging” consumers into making healthier choices at the restaurant or vending machine. Are we doomed to live with obesity, or is a possible solution still out there?

This week on episode 171 of Science Facts and Fallacies, Kevin Folta sits down with science Mark Schatzker to discuss his recent book, The End of Craving – Recovering the Lost Wisdom of Eating Well

The book investigates several compelling hypotheses that may help explain why diets fail. The biggest problem, Schatzker argues, is that misconceptions about food and nutrition are rampant in North America. Compare the standard American diet to that of northern Italy; both are rich in calories, carbohydrates and fats, yet Italians do not experience the deleterious effects of obesity at nearly the same rates that Americans do.

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What’s the difference? A surprisingly large body of evidence suggests that it could be the vitamins added to the US food supply meant to ensure sufficient nutrition. Folta and Schatzker also examine the data surrounding artificial sweeteners, metabolic setpoints and other important factors at the nexus of food, nutrition, physiology, and psychology.

Mark Schatzker is a writer in residence at the Modern Diet and Physiology Research Center. Follow him on Twitter @MarkSchatzker and visit his website.

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta

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