Dr. Jason Fung explains that type 2 diabetes and obesity are reversible conditions, despite past beliefs that they were chronic and progressive. These conditions are caused by hyperinsulinemia, which is often triggered by processed foods and a constant eating schedule. Hormones, not calories, play a key role in weight gain and insulin levels. To reverse these conditions, Dr. Fung recommends using levers such as a low-carb, high-fat diet, intermittent fasting, and exercise to lower blood sugar and insulin levels. Testing through blood is necessary to understand the individual’s state of health, and medication adjustments may be necessary. The key takeaway is that these conditions can be reversed, and a lifestyle change is necessary to do so.
The key points mentioned by Jason Fung are:
- Type 2 diabetes and obesity are reversible conditions.
- These conditions are caused by hyperinsulinemia triggered by processed foods and constant eating.
- Hormones, not calories, play a key role in weight gain and insulin levels.
- Levers such as a low-carb, high-fat diet, intermittent fasting, and exercise can help reverse these conditions.
- Testing through blood is necessary to understand the individual’s state of health, and medication adjustments may be necessary.
- A lifestyle change is necessary to reverse these conditions.
More in Detail:
- Type 2 diabetes and obesity are reversible conditions: Dr. Jason Fung explains that type 2 diabetes and obesity are reversible conditions despite the past beliefs that they were chronic and progressive. He notes that doctors had been lying to themselves and their patients by prescribing drugs instead of understanding that these are dietary and lifestyle diseases.
- These conditions are caused by hyperinsulinemia triggered by processed foods and constant eating: Dr. Fung explains that these conditions are caused by hyperinsulinemia, which occurs when the body produces too much insulin in response to the food we eat. Processed foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugars, as well as constant eating, can cause an excessive increase in insulin levels leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- Hormones, not calories, play a key role in weight gain and insulin levels: Dr. Fung emphasizes that hormones, not calories, play a key role in weight gain and insulin levels. He notes that the body doesn’t look at calories, but rather hormones, when deciding how to store or burn energy. Hormones such as insulin, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin play a critical role in regulating hunger, satiety, and blood sugar levels.
- Levers such as a low-carb, high-fat diet, intermittent fasting, and exercise can help reverse these conditions: Dr. Fung recommends using levers such as a low-carb, high-fat diet, intermittent fasting, and exercise to lower blood sugar and insulin levels. He notes that these levers can be used in different ways and to different extents depending on the individual’s needs and health status.
- Testing through blood is necessary to understand the individual’s state of health, and medication adjustments may be necessary: Dr. Fung recommends that individuals get tested through blood to understand their state of health. He notes that medication adjustments may be necessary as changing one’s diet and lifestyle can affect the effectiveness of medication.
- A lifestyle change is necessary to reverse these conditions: Dr. Fung emphasizes that a lifestyle change is necessary to reverse these conditions. He notes that it’s not easy, but it can be done. The key is to understand what is most important to focus on, which is regulating hormones and lowering blood sugar and insulin levels through the use of levers such as a low-carb, high-fat diet, intermittent fasting, and exercise.