Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It by Gary Taubes

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Summary

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. From the Hardcover edition.

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3 comments

  • I really enjoyed this book, although the author does mention several times about the additional content like photos and attachments that are only available in the print version. It would be awesome if we could have access to those as a digital download as well!
  • Taubes presents some interesting and helpful ideas in this book. However, his strong conviction comes across as somewhat suspicious. For instance, not all of the studies he mentions seem to be equally credible. Additionally, his criticism of the medical establishment lacks a more nuanced explanation for why public health officials supported the low-fat diet. One peculiar aspect of Taubes' perspective is his dismissal of the importance of exercise and leafy green vegetables. While his recent New York Times essay raising awareness about the potential toxicity of sugar and refined carbohydrates is valuable, his suggestion that we should completely eliminate all carbohydrates is quite strange. Such extreme restrictions may be necessary for certain individuals with epilepsy or specific genetic predispositions that have yet to be explored, but it is certainly not suitable for everyone. For most people, cutting out sugar and refined carbohydrates with reasonable adherence is sufficient. Furthermore, Taubes claims to prioritize societal well-being over moral judgments against individuals. However, he fails to address three crucial points. Firstly, our society is not designed to help us, especially the less fortunate and the busy, avoid carbohydrates. Therefore, Taubes ends up promoting a willpower-centered approach that is not significantly different from the low-calorie diets he criticizes. Secondly, it appears that Taubes disregards the social and environmental impacts of a high meat diet and shows little interest in proposing high-protein alternatives for vegetarians. Lastly, the notion that hunter-gatherer societies from the 20th century ate in the same manner as earlier societies is far from certain. The overt and questionable primitivist reasoning behind Paleo and similar diets makes them culturally unappealing.
  • I realized that I needed to alter my eating patterns - I admit, I am overweight and desire to shed some pounds, but my main objective was to put an end to the constant munching and excessive amounts of food I consumed. I couldn't comprehend the incessant urge to constantly devour sugary treats, cakes, cookies, candies, and the like. Gary Taubes effectively explains (although he repeats himself quite often!) that the food I've been consuming is gradually deteriorating my health, and as I age, I am bound to face the consequences such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Changing my eating habits won't be a walk in the park, but if I want to recover and maintain good health, I have to take action. It's not just about the number on the scale or fitting into my clothes; it's about living a fulfilling and healthy life. This book has provided me with the clarity and understanding that I was previously missing, and for that, I am truly grateful.
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