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The Fat Switch
If you've ever struggled with losing weight and keeping it off, I don't have to tell you it's a challenge. You already know. What if losing weight could be as easy as flipping a switch? I know that sounds incredible. But now there's an abundance of research telling us that may be possible. In his new book, The Fat Switch, Dr. Richard J. Johnson, presents news-breaking, science-based studies that will reverse current thinking on both the cause and treatment of obesity. And by looking at why people gain excessive weight, Dr. Johnson has discovered why obesity is so hard to treat, and why so many people lose weight only to rapidly regain it. Based on his breakthrough research, Dr Johnson provides a detailed plan on how to prevent weight gain and to lose weight. He also lays out how this research will soon result in treatments to end obesity, something that has been the Holy Grail for those suffering from being overweight. In a nutshell, this is what he's uncovered from decades of research: Those of us who are obese eat more because of a faulty "switch" and exercise less because of a low energy state. If you can learn how to control the specific "switch" located in the powerhouse of each of your cells, the mitochondria you hold the key to fighting obesity. So, if you've noticed you have less energy, tire more easily with exercise, or struggle to burn fat, take heart. We now know the reason why. And in just a few short moments, so will you.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Richard J. Johnson
13 books34 followersRichard J. Johnson, M.D. is a practicing physician and clinical scientist who is internationally recognized for his seminal work on the role of sugar and its component fructose, in obesity and diabetes. His new book, Nature Wants Us to Be Fat, tells of the discovery of a biological switch that helps animals become fat and insulin resistant to help them survive periods of food shortage. Work led by the author and his research team have shown that this switch is turned on in many people and is playing a key role in the obesity epidemic. This has led to significant breakthroughs in both understanding the cause of obesity as well as how to prevent or treat it. His science is highly regarded and highly cited, and he has published over 700 papers. He previously authored The Sugar Fix with Timothy Gower in 2008 (Rodale) and The Fat Switch in 2012 (Mercola.com) He is currently a Professor of Medicine at the University of Colorado in Denver. He lives in Aurora, Colorado with his wife, Olga, children, Tracy and Ricky, and two miniature golden doodles
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 15, 2016
One third of americans are overweight. Another third are obese. It didn't always used to be this way. What happened to the world in general and the US in particular? If you're looking for an explanation to this question then this is the book is for you.
Not a diet book. Also the cover does this book a disservice... But we all know not to judge a book by it's cover don't we?
Social, political and scientific reasons are explored and given weight. The short answer is that we are not living the life we were designed to live by millions of years of evolution. (If you don't believe in the validity of evolution you need another book.) The rate of change in what we eat and how we live over the last 10,000 years has outpaced our ability to adapt physically. This change has only accelerated in the last 50 years.
Some other tidbits without giving away the whole book: It's not simple algebra: calories in calories out. In other words all calories are not created equal. Sugar is not your friend. The USDA food pyramid is not your friend.
Okay that's enough for now. I can recommend this book. It's illuminating and that knowledge is empowering.
Not a diet book. Also the cover does this book a disservice... But we all know not to judge a book by it's cover don't we?
Social, political and scientific reasons are explored and given weight. The short answer is that we are not living the life we were designed to live by millions of years of evolution. (If you don't believe in the validity of evolution you need another book.) The rate of change in what we eat and how we live over the last 10,000 years has outpaced our ability to adapt physically. This change has only accelerated in the last 50 years.
Some other tidbits without giving away the whole book: It's not simple algebra: calories in calories out. In other words all calories are not created equal. Sugar is not your friend. The USDA food pyramid is not your friend.
Okay that's enough for now. I can recommend this book. It's illuminating and that knowledge is empowering.
June 25, 2014
Some interesting hypotheses, interwoven with nice snippets of history. Johnson presents the evidence for his theory, no conflicting evidence presented though.
Some recommendations plucked out of thin air, such as his preferred macronutrient percentages. Ignores role of plant based micronutrient density on oxidative stress. However the overall message of "sugar is poison" I completely agree with
Some recommendations plucked out of thin air, such as his preferred macronutrient percentages. Ignores role of plant based micronutrient density on oxidative stress. However the overall message of "sugar is poison" I completely agree with
June 30, 2015
This was a very interesting and relatively technical book....but no magic "switch" revealed - a bit of a let down, I must admit! In short, I have learned, "it's complicated". But, I guess I already knew that :)
However, I learned a lot about what triggers animals to gain and lose weight, and find comfort in the fact that we evolved to retain fat for survival purposes. Those who can hang on to fat are more likely to survive a famine - "score!"
There was good information about different enzymes, acids, hormones, and how insulin is regulated. Overall, I have a much better understanding of many theories being explored and have picked up advice that will help in the ongoing struggle to lose, or frankly, just maintain my weight!
However, I learned a lot about what triggers animals to gain and lose weight, and find comfort in the fact that we evolved to retain fat for survival purposes. Those who can hang on to fat are more likely to survive a famine - "score!"
There was good information about different enzymes, acids, hormones, and how insulin is regulated. Overall, I have a much better understanding of many theories being explored and have picked up advice that will help in the ongoing struggle to lose, or frankly, just maintain my weight!
February 29, 2020
An insightful book about the various ways fructose wreak havoc on the human body. You could almost see it as an anti-nutrient, if supplied in a high concentration. Like all substances, the dose makes the poison. After hearing about the concepts in the podcast of Peter Attia, I wanted to learn more about the research that Prof. Richard Johnson and his colleagues had done to support his claims. Surprising to me were the relationship with yeast and umami foods to uric acid and its further effects on blood pressure. I will definitely reread parts of this book in the future.
January 24, 2020
This book really needs a different cover. This is not a diet book.
The author provides a convincing case how fructose and uric acid underpin the mechanisms driving obesity, metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, and related conditions. The writing is quite technical and it’s helpful to have some basic biochemistry knowledge. I especially enjoyed his discussions on evolution and comparative biology. Fascinating read.
The author provides a convincing case how fructose and uric acid underpin the mechanisms driving obesity, metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, and related conditions. The writing is quite technical and it’s helpful to have some basic biochemistry knowledge. I especially enjoyed his discussions on evolution and comparative biology. Fascinating read.
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February 1, 2021Terrible cover. Interesting science at the start. More speculative in later sections. And interesting intro to metabolic syndrome research.
August 1, 2021
I was skeptical, but it works for me. For the weight loss genre, this is a 5-star book.
March 6, 2024
Author is obviously fascinated with zoology. I have to read through pages and pages that emphasize and re-emphasize itself on the necessity for fat accumulation on animals. I have yet to survive these topics that have obviously been redundant and have already delivered its point (hummingbirds have already been mentioned at least thrice on different topics and I am not yet passed these nauseating topics), while anticipating to actually read why I picked-up this book in the first place: how to solve my pre-diabetic state.
October 28, 2019
Good content
However, why are we still talking about calories? Overall not bad. It does focus on the important issues of hormone balance and energy from carbohydrates. however, it still bothers me that so many people continue to believe in calories.
However, why are we still talking about calories? Overall not bad. It does focus on the important issues of hormone balance and energy from carbohydrates. however, it still bothers me that so many people continue to believe in calories.
May 25, 2023
Some good theories here that since the publication of this book have gained traction and now have an evidence base. Enjoyed this and I'm going to implement some of its findings into my everyday healthcare professional life.
February 11, 2019
was extremely informative
January 21, 2013
Love it. Appeals to my scientific side although a little heavy on the evolution doctrine at times.
March 13, 2013
It was a little on the statistical side...good info...served it's purpose. Informational.
March 28, 2013
Turn off your fat switch! Excellent presentation of scientific information vital to all human health.
February 25, 2015
Connection between fructose and weight gain.
March 1, 2017
Excellent medical book about weight loss that provides the scientific how and why behind cutting carbs, high intensity exercise etc.
July 4, 2013
Not a diet book.
July 28, 2015
Makes the point, but too much technical information.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews