The science of weight loss – and why calories don’t count! | Prof. Giles Yeo

Think weight loss is all about eating less and moving more? Think again. In this episode, Prof. Giles Yeo reveals why calorie counting isn’t just inaccurate—it could actually make weight management harder. He explains why the popular “calories in, calories out” method doesn’t add up and explores how factors like genetics, brain signals, and gut health play a major role in shaping our weight.Giles Yeo is a Professor of Molecular Neuroendocrinology at the University of Cambridge and Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association. His research focuses on the influence of genes on feeding behaviour and body weight. Giles is also the author of ‘Gene Eating’ and ‘Why Calories Don’t Count’.Giles shares the surprising impact of ultra-processed foods on how we process calories and why losing weight often feels like a battle against our own biology. With decades of research in his back pocket, Giles shares science-backed advice to help you break free from yo-yo dieting, read calorie labels smarter, and embrace a more balanced, plant-rich diet for long-term health.🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+Follow ZOE on Instagram.Timecodes01:17 The quickfire round on weight myths02:05 The biggest weight loss myth revealed03:07 What are calories, really?04:08 Burning poop: a bizarre calorie experiment08:05 The woman who invented calorie counting11:41 How calories became a diet obsession15:00 Why calorie counting doesn’t work18:56 Why food quality matters more20:05 The blindspot of calorie labels23:13 We eat food, not calories27:02 Stress eating vs. stress starving31:00 Why we always have room for dessert38:22 How your gut controls your hunger45:17 Why pizza makes your brain light up49:41 Ultra-processed foods hijack your appetite📚Books by our ZOE ScientistsThe Food For Life CookbookEvery Body Should Know This by Dr Federica AmatiFood For Life by Prof. Tim SpectorFree resources from ZOELive Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & NutritionGut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks Mentioned in today's episodeLong-term weight-loss maintenance: a meta-analysis of US studies, 2001, published in American Journal of Clinical NutritionHow dieting might make some fatter: modeling weight cycling toward obesity from a perspective of body composition autoregulation, 2020, published in International Journal of Obesity Weight-loss outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of weight-loss clinical trials with a minimum 1-year follow-up, 2007, published in Journal of the American Dietetic AssociationDiet or Exercise Interventions vs Combined Behavioral Weight Management Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Comparisons, 2014, published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Diet, exercise or diet with exercise: comparing the effectiveness of treatment options for weight-loss and changes in fitness for adults (18–65 years old) who are overfat, or obese; systematic review and meta-analysis, 2015, published in Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders Is regular exercise an effective strategy for weight loss maintenance?, 2019, Physiology & Behavior Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.Episode transcripts are available here.

The science of weight loss – and why calories don’t count! | Prof. Giles Yeo

ZOE Science & Nutrition

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