Comments on: Fat Head the Movie

By: Ginger

Ginger — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:37:50 +0000

@Dave,

Yes, I did find your blog useful, thank you. I lack a technical background & have to reread some of your paragraphs several times, but I think it’s important to understand these internal processes precisely because they are so complex.
Again, thanks.

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:00:56 +0000

@Ginger,

You might find this post on my blog a useful addendum to Gary Taubes’ excellent book:

http://sparkofreason.blogspot.com/2009/08/gut-feeling-about-insulin.html

Some discussion on the effects of exercise there as well.

By: Ginger

Ginger — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:04:00 +0000

I have found some pieces of the answer to the above question: I’m in the section of Taubes’ GCBC critiquing Mayer’s advice regarding exercise as a component of weight control. It’s not encouraging for those of us who love our grains and don’t mind exercising.
In the past, I’ve lost weight while restricting calories and exercising, and believed firmly that the exercise was making the difference (particularly after one long plateau on a low calorie regimen). Now the effects seem to be mixed. Along with the increased lung capacity, muscular strength and overall endurance, I’m experiencing extreme fatigue in the mornings and even more lower body joint pain, particularly hip pain. I’ve attributed it primarily to the stress of all the extra weight and secondarily to the fact that I’m using (and stressing) the joints more. But I burn between 3360 and 3500 calories every week (supposedly?), for whatever that’s worth, plus I’m adding more weight to my resistance training each week as I gain strength. My weight loss has slowed down this month, which makes me suspect that I should switch from consuming very limited amounts of minimally processed whole grain products to no grains at all. I think reading your PP book after I’ve finished Taubes’ book will also help. Do you address exercise in it?
(Since this is so long and off-topic, could you consider it an email instead of a post?)

We do address exercise in PP and recommend resistance training. Our most up-to-date ideas on exercise are best explained in Slow Burn, a book with co-wrote with trainer Fred Hahn.

By: Ginger

Ginger — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:29:27 +0000

Well, I’m definitely going to give this film a look.
Just started my own version of low carb back in June, am reading Mr Taubes’ book (which I found on clearance at the grocery store), only halfway through (fascinating!!). I’ll get hold of a copy of Protein Power as well. Much of this is still kinda new to me, though I was introduced to the basics (e.g., Glycemic Index) back in ‘03.
I linked to this site via Wikipedia info on Agave syrup – a friend gave me some, & I liked it so much I bought some. But since there was nothing about its composition on the label AND it tastes good, I figured there must be something wrong with it — probably fructose. Right the first time, but that damn little bottle cost me seven bucks!
Anyway, this stuff is helpful and motivating, thank you. One question I haven’t found the answer to yet: is there something wrong with the current mainstream thinking about cardio workouts to burn calories? I do both cardio on a treadmill (6-7x/wk) and strength training (2-3x/wk).
I’m currently carrying 150 lbs of excess weight – a long story, but the long & short now is that I need all the good info I can get.

By: Tugrul Uelgen

Tugrul Uelgen — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:14:25 +0000

I tought I was a proffesional expert on those subjects until now. At the time being I know only that I have to forget everything I’ve learned and teached. Thank you for changing the stupid view of my wrong knowledge. I am really sorry for what I teached to my students. I am glad that I am dont have to teach any more…

By: RK

RK — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:50:54 +0000

Just saw the movie. Fantastic job! I started eating low carb, high fat, moderate protein, and have lost 6 pounds in 3 days. I also have lots of energy and my sleep is normal again. It is clear to me that this was the way we are meant to eat.

By: Methuselah - Pay Now Live Later

Methuselah - Pay Now Live Later — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:47:39 +0000

Dr Mike – just reviewed the film, having finally got round to seeing it – I think it was flawed, but ultimately very positive and it was great to see your and Mary’s great contributions in there.

Fat Head Review

By: Andrea L.

Andrea L. — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:42:15 +0000

Following the link Dan posted to Kenneth Cooper�s Aerobics institute, I found the following statements, just a few lines apart:

“If you eat fewer calories, regardless of the source�from carb, protein, or fat�you will lose weight.”

“Temporarily you may lose weight [by fasting], but its water weight only�not fat. You�ll gain it right back.”

So eating fewer calories will cause weight loss, but not zero calories?? Someone explain that one to me.

Yes, explain it to me, too.

By: Jimmy Moore

Jimmy Moore — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:01:34 +0000

Tom did a fantastic podcast interview with me about his film that I’d love for you to hear if you’d like more “behind-the-scenes” stuff about FATHEAD:

http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/?p=3551

Thanks for posting.

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:59:42 +0000

I just finished watching it and enjoyed it very much.
Two comments: The business about people not getting exercise is true, but does less exercise contribute to obesity? Questionable, but people will agree with that premise, and you may get more of them nodding and saying “At least I agree with him on this one.”
The other is that I wish more time could have been given to your month long fat pigout, as that really tells a story. But there is so much in it alread.
I sent the link to my bro in law who has heart disease but can’t be bothered, apparently, to read Taubes, though I mailed him a copy.
The summing up of the forming of atherlersclerosis formation was quite good.