There continues to be a great debate amongst various scientists as to what causes obesity and why it is so variable amongst cultures. While the simple energy in energy out equation seems appropriate, more and more data are pointing out that it really is more complicated than a simple in and out calorie equation.
Gary Taube has written a popular book that has riled up the entire scientific community. Much of what he notes stems from statements like this from the mid 1820′s:
"It’s fascinating. For 150 years since Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin in 1825 writes The Physiology of Taste and says, "I know what cause obesity. Just talk to fat people. They eat too much starches and sugars." He says this. "I have 500 conversations over the year with stout people, and each one, they’re telling me, ‘I love the potatoes. I love the rice. I love the bread.’" Since then, it’s sort of been institutionalized that carbohydrates — starches and sugars — make you fat."
Add to the above the significant amount of high fructose corn syrup in the average American diet and the argument is compelling.
Thoughts?
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What about the groups out there claiming “fat is bad”? It seems like there really is nothing healthy out there… I know that is not true but it is easy to see why people may be confused.
It is also amazing to see the pendulum swing back and forth. Apparently 150 years ago people had a rough idea of what was causing obesity and until relatively recently it seems that we have forgotten it all.
My personal thoughts on the fat are that it has been a situation where the fact that some fats are bad giving “good”fats a bad rap.
Nothing is inherently bad (well trans fats are inherently bad) typically. Balance in anything you put into your mouth is always warranted…