Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It

Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It cover
Good Books rating 4.5

Technical:
  • ID: 953
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-09-23
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-02
educational 4.50

The book 'Why We Get Fat' by Gary Taubes provides a well-researched and easy-to-read explanation of the obesity epidemic, challenging the notion that fat is the primary culprit. It emphasizes the role of poor calorie choices and insulin control in weight gain and overall health.

The book 'Why We Get Fat' by Gary Taubes offers a comprehensive look at the obesity epidemic, debunking the myth that fat is the main cause of weight gain. Taubes presents compelling research and evidence to show how low-fat diets and poor calorie choices have contributed to the problem. He explains the role of insulin in weight management and how controlling this hormone can lead to better health outcomes. The book is praised for its accessibility, blending scientific evidence with everyday thinking. It also explores why some people are naturally lean while others struggle with weight gain, providing a nuanced understanding of the issue. Overall, the book is seen as an educational and insightful read that challenges conventional dietary wisdom.


Quick quotes

    He not only provides great research and evidence to his opinion that fat is not all that bad, but he is able to do it in a way that is easy to read while at the same time providing "hard scientific evidence".

    This is not a book bashing one type of diet versus another, it is merely a book explaining how it all went terribly wrong with poor research and a loss of traditional eating focus.

    He also does a wonderful job explaining why some people are naturally lean and others just "look" at food and gain weight.

noahkagan.com · Unknown · 2025-10-02
informative 4.50

The book challenges conventional wisdom on weight gain, arguing that the 'calories-in, calories-out' model is flawed and that genetics and hormones, particularly insulin, play crucial roles. It advocates for a low-carbohydrate diet to control blood sugar and insulin levels, promoting long-term weight management.

Gary Taubes' 'Why We Get Fat' presents a compelling argument against the traditional 'calories-in, calories-out' model of weight gain. The book suggests that genetics and hormones, especially insulin, are key factors in fat storage and weight management. It emphasizes that low-fat diets are ineffective and that the most fattening foods are those that spike blood sugar and insulin levels, such as refined carbohydrates and sugars. The author advocates for a diet focused on restricting carbohydrates to maintain low blood sugar and insulin levels, which helps in burning fat and maintaining a healthy weight. The book also highlights that exercise alone is not a viable solution for obesity and that understanding the body's metabolic processes is crucial for long-term weight management. Overall, the book offers a thought-provoking perspective on nutrition and weight loss, challenging mainstream dietary advice.


Quick quotes

    The more energy you expend, the more you will increase the calories you consume.

    Eating less and/or exercising more is not a viable treatment for obesity or being overweight and shouldn‘t be considered as such.

    The most fattening foods are the ones that have the greatest effect on our blood sugar and insulin levels.