Why We Get Fat cover art

Why We Get Fat

And What to Do About It

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Why We Get Fat

By: Gary Taubes
Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain
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About this listen

 An eye-opening, myth-shattering examination of what makes us fat, from acclaimed science writer Gary Taubes.

In his New York Times best seller, Good Calories, Bad Calories, Taubes argued that our diet’s overemphasis on certain kinds of carbohydrates—not fats and not simply excess calories—has led directly to the obesity epidemic we face today. The result of thorough research, keen insight, and unassailable common sense, Good Calories, Bad Calories immediately stirred controversy and acclaim among academics, journalists, and writers alike. Michael Pollan heralded it as “a vitally important book, destined to change the way we think about food.”

Building upon this critical work in Good Calories, Bad Calories and presenting fresh evidence for his claim, Taubes now revisits the urgent question of what’s making us fat—and how we can change—in this exciting new book. Persuasive, straightforward, and practical, Why We Get Fat makes Taubes’s crucial argument newly accessible to a wider audience.

Taubes reveals the bad nutritional science of the last century, none more damaging or misguided than the “calories-in, calories-out” model of why we get fat, and the good science that has been ignored, especially regarding insulin’s regulation of our fat tissue. He also answers the most persistent questions: Why are some people thin and others fat? What roles do exercise and genetics play in our weight? What foods should we eat, and what foods should we avoid?

Packed with essential information and concluding with an easy-to-follow diet, Why We Get Fat is an invaluable key in our understanding of an international epidemic and a guide to what each of us can do about it.


Includes a bonus PDF with images from the book Aging & Longevity Diets, Nutrition & Healthy Eating Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Social Sciences Nutrition Healthy Diet Physical Exercise Health Inspiring Longevity Low Carb

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All stars
Most relevant
A straightforward take on a really simple concept. I listened to this while on a VLCD and it makes more sense than virtually everything else I have heard - not so easy to follow but with the tools available you are then empowered! Definately worth listening to if you want to control your weight in the long term.

Do not diet without listening to this first!

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Great book that goes into some of the science of why we get fat, whilst still relating in layman's terms. Its a controversial message, but after listening has we won over. Great book!

Awesome book

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i would reccomend this book to everyone. this book is scientific, but presented in layman's terms. absolutely brilliant.

excellent book

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So informative, I have tried low carb diets in the past and they have been highly effective. However because of the stories that such diets are "fads" and "unhealthy" I have returned to carbs always thinking that eating in such a way is unhealthy. I now know exactly what carbs are doing to me and now truly understand why despite exercising daily, counting calories and eating a balanced diet I never lose weight. I can now do so with all good conscience.

Life changing

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At times quite technical, so refrain from listening in the car while navigating roundabouts! 😊

Other than that, a very interesting review of fat loss research, going back to humans' pre-farming days, comparing modern days' smaller native communities from various continents, and debunking myths re 'calories in, calories out', 'low fat' and other weight loss approaches.

I've had a 'lightning bolt' moment to start eating less carbs, and sugar in particular. No, it's not new, but the context and the reasons why now make me see exactly why, and understand a little more about how a human body works. Fascinating, detailed findings.

Extremely interesting 'peer review' and fat loss findings.

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