Summary of Jonathan Bailor's The Calorie Myth

By IRB Media

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

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#1 The human body is a complex mathematical equation that is not reducible to a simple equation. It is not the lack of counting calories, pill popping, or insulin injections that is the problem. The problem is something breaking our biology, and we’re trying to starve, stress, and medicate to address its consequences instead of fixing the breakdown itself.

#2 There are three possible explanations for why we haven’t gained 476 pounds since 2006: we’re eating less, we’re exercising more, or the Calorie Math doesn’t add up.

#3 The math myth doesn’t work because it assumes our body doesn’t do anything to counterbalance our efforts to count calories. In reality, our genes, brain, and hormones work together to maintain balance, or homeostasis.

#4 The math myth is that we can lose weight by counting calories. However, this is completely false. We have automatically avoided 98 percent of the weight we should have gained according to calorie counting because our body is designed to balance us out automatically.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Mar 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9781669377832

IRB Media

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Insights on Jonathan Bailor's The Calorie Myth

Contents

Insights from Chapter 1

Insights from Chapter 2

Insights from Chapter 3

Insights from Chapter 1

#1

The human body is a complex mathematical equation that is not reducible to a simple equation. It is not the lack of counting calories, pill popping, or insulin injections that is the problem. The problem is something breaking our biology, and we’re trying to starve, stress, and medicate to address its consequences instead of fixing the breakdown itself.

#2

There are three possible explanations for why we haven’t gained 476 pounds since 2006: we’re eating less, we’re exercising more, or the Calorie Math doesn’t add up.

#3

The math myth doesn’t work because it assumes our body doesn’t do anything to counterbalance our efforts to count calories. In reality, our genes, brain, and hormones work together to maintain balance, or homeostasis.

#4

The math myth is that we can lose weight by counting calories. However, this is completely false. We have automatically avoided 98 percent of the weight we should have gained according to calorie counting because our body is designed to balance us out automatically.

#5

We don’t have to decide to eat less and exercise more; instead, we need to find out what causes the set-point to rise and how to lower it.

#6

We all have a set-point, and that is what determines how slim or stocky we are long term. It is determined by a series of hormonal signals released from our gut, pancreas, and fat cells, which travel to the hypothalamus in the brain.

#7

The days of the set-point theory are over. We can now overcome obesity by healing—rather than fighting against—the proven biological system that balances our weight.

#8

Calories do matter, but you can’t forget that they are just a number unless you are trying to lose weight. If you eat as much as you want of high-quality food, your body will naturally balance them for you.

#9

Our set-point is determined by our genetics, and it determines our long-term weight. If our weight is elevated, it’s because our set-point is elevated thanks to a hormonal clog.

#10

When our hormones change, our set-point changes. This is why we