The carbohydrate-insulin model: a physiological perspective on the obesity pandemic

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

For decades, obesity has been regarded primarily as a disorder of 'energy balance' (calories in > calories out).

Accordingly, campaigns based on 'eating less, and moving more' have formed the basis of public health initiatives, commercial 'weight-loss' plans, and the private efforts of individuals to combat obesity.

Unfortunately, this approach has completely failed to stem the pandemic of obesity and related metabolic conditions (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), indicating that different approaches are needed.

An alternative to the 'energy balance' model - the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM) - has been gaining ground for many years amoung many scientists and medical practitioners.  This focuses not on total calories in or out, but instead on the actual biological mechanisms that promote weight gain. 

In this model, hormonal responses to a high-sugar diet cause an obligatory increase in fat storage, so that correspondingly fewer calories are available to be burned for energy.  Increased appetite, and reduced energy levels then follow from these hormonal changes - and this in turn drives 'positive energy balance' - i.e. eating more, and moving less.

As these authors emphasise - more research is still needed to put this approach to the test - but that need is urgent now, as the implications for public health practice could hardly be more important.


For an accessible summary of this research, and additional FAB commentary, please see the related news article:

• Scientists claim that overeating is not the primary cause of obesity

And for further information please see also:

• Obesity - Research

• Ultra-processed foods - Research