A Biological Switch that Drives Obesity, Diabetes, and Dementia | The Metabolic Link Ep. 39

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In this episode, recorded at Metabolic Health Summit 2024, Dr. Richard Johnson dives into the groundbreaking research that has uncovered the central role of fructose in driving the epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and a wide range of other metabolic diseases.
Dr. Johnson presents compelling evidence that fructose, a seemingly innocuous sugar, is in fact a key trigger for activating a powerful biological survival switch. This switch, evolved in nature to help animals prepare for times of scarcity, is now being inadvertently activated in humans by our modern high-carbohydrate, high-sugar diets.
Through detailed scientific explanation and insightful case studies, Dr. Johnson illuminates how fructose's unique metabolic effects - including its ability to lower ATP levels, induce leptin resistance, and promote fat storage - are the driving forces behind the rise of metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions.
Equally important, Dr. Johnson offers practical dietary recommendations and strategies to help individuals navigate this complex landscape, emphasizing the importance of reducing sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods, while embracing a low-carb, nutrient-dense approach.
This eye-opening episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the root causes of the metabolic health crisis and learn evidence-based solutions to reclaim their wellbeing.
Special thanks to our sponsors of this episode:
Genova Connect, powered by Genova Diagnostics offers easy access to advanced lab tests, covering key health areas like metabolic health, nutrition, gut health, immune function, and hormones. Receive 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink: gdx.net/themetaboliclink
LMNT, a zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix free of artificial colors and dodgy ingredients. Get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any drink mix purchase at: drinkLMNT.com/MetabolicLink
In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in! You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit KZbin channel, Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Buzzsprout.
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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

[@john99776]

I've been studying low carb and carnivore for 6 years now, learning from all the best people, but I have to say that this is one of the most comprehensive presentations that I've ever seen. It really brings all the factors together in one overarching theory. Brilliant !

[@Jimfrenchde]

I'd love to see a discussion with Dr Johnson and Dr Seyfried. It would be interesting.

[@robertoperaza2683]

What a loooong introduction ... jump to @6:54 , here is where Professor started the talk

[@christinearmington]

Thanks

[@alicet8791]

Thank you

[@jzcjca000]

Good presentation. However, I must disagree with one thing. It is possible to be completely satisfied on a zero carb diet. I'm almost one year carnivore, and don't see myself ever switching back.

[@lindabirmingham603]

It's great not being run by cravings. I wish I had known sooner. I am never going back to carbs. It's hard to believe that desserts no longer interest me at all when I was a sugar addict my entire life!

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

Great to hear about your success with carnivore!

[@randydonahue69]

82

[@danielpincus221]

All the glycogen from meat is gone?

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

If you run into problems down the road, look into Dr. Barry Sears and his Zone Diet as a potential high end of low glycemic, nutrient-dense, natural carbs once your mitochondria’s carb processing mechanism recovers a bit. Processed carb overload is demonic. Morley Robbins and Dr. Chris Knobbe have good info as well.

[@bikeman9899]

Absolutely excellent. His narrative is complemented by slides with enough info and easy to absorb. This is how technical stories should be told.

[@salutemetabolica1]

Richard Johnson deserves a Nobel Price

[@peterholt4806]

I loved Dr Johnson's book, and I loved this presentation, and the thing that I love most is his evolutionary reasoning. We, and other animals are what we are because we developed internal processes that gave us a survival advantage. One of the main points, to my mind, is that we developed fuel storage from Fructose (like bears) to get our stores up to get us through the Winter. The big problem for us is that we are getting Fructose all the year round. A bit from fruit, but mainly from Colas, Sodas and UPF including breakfast cereal. Anything with Sucrose in it.

[@destinyknightthiefoffate]

Thank you for making this lecture available! ❤❤❤

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@john99776]

Outstanding presentation.

[@danielpincus221]

I believe in humane outreach. Carefully chosen, people can be moved to consider a new way of thinking. The problem here is that people love the taste. Some people love the taste, and think that's the reason they eat it so much. We know better, but yes, we love the taste. How to convince someone that life can be worth living without the constant taste of sugar? One approach is to say "no, it's not a matter of never. Once you get stabilized after the initial fast some weeks, you will be healthier, you will feel the difference, but still want to have some sugar. Fine. Once a week, like people used to do in the old days, Sabbath meal, for example. You're healthy now. All you have to do is make sure it's rare and moderate." That's not a bad approach. It's actually worked for me.

[@levleung2000]

is this the Unified field theory of metabolism?

[@bluescrew3124]

This was amazing & eye-opening…. When I first got Long Covid, I put on 30 pounds seemingly overnight, as well as extreme thirst (despite drinking 2 liters+daily) and craving salt…. Fascinating tie-in to mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxygen deficiency due to micro clots. Thank you for this informative presentation.!

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

Thank you for sharing! We hope you're feeling better.

[@gabymalembe]

Around 15 years ago I read Gary Taubes’ view that people who ate traditional diets didn’t get our diseases until they started importing sugar, flour, and seed oils.

[@Tribunal1023]

Excellent presentation. I’m going to watch again

[@eagleeye9549]

I just eat red meat and berries once in a while. I have dropped 80+ lbs, got off T2D meds, and the ones associated with obesity. I went from 42 waist to 32, and there's NO going back for me! Lol Do your own N=1 and see what works for you. Personally, I quit all man made foods, including veggies and fruits. They are not the same as they were when I was younger....cheers, and good luck!

[@janeabbotts]

I am wondering what you eat, if you only eat red meat and berries once in a while and no man made foods including fruit and veg?

[@ChromeForDays]

@@janeabbotts The OP said what they eat . . red meat and berries. Red meat is pretty much any ruminant, and berries are, well, berries. I tend to eat mostly blueberries, but occasionally dip into strawberries, lingon berries, etc, whatever seems to be available at the store when I go looking. And, the berries should be organic only. Apparently berries absorb pesticides, etc, very easily into their skins.

[@janeabbotts]

@@ChromeForDays They said..'I just eat red meat and berries once in a while'. Period. Then they went on to say how much weight they have lost etc. Then they went on to say they have quit all manmade food including fruits and veg. So as they have written it they only eat 'Red meat and berries once in a while' and eat nothing else. Perhaps the 'once in a while' was not intended/true. I just read it as it was written.

[@ChromeForDays]

@@janeabbotts More than likely the "once in a while" just means they do some form of intermittent fasting/time restricted feeding. Usually when folks start eating this way they naturally begin to spread meals out more as they're just not hungry. It's not uncommon for me to not eat for a day or two.

[@janeabbotts]

@@ChromeForDays I was commenting on what was written, not what may have been meant. Thank you for your replies. Cheers.

[@veronicac9405]

Dr Johnson hit a grand slam here. I have tried to watch ALL his presentations - he is so earnest and knowledgeable. Here, more so than any other video, he has tied it (almost) all together. It would be fabulous to see his"extended" version where he addresses all the other pswitch triggers, especially alcohol (probably tying in Dr Lustig's Sugar, A Bitter Truth masterpiece). His team's research, the explanation of our pathways, and the ties to our evolution give a believable big picture of what the heck is going wonky with obesity. Thank you for posting this, MHS.

[@Ranjanaguptap]

Excellent presentation, thanks!

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@eagleeye9549]

Very good presentation! It was very informative of novel data and mind-blowing at the same time!! Great job, everyone!

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

We're so glad you enjoyed the lecture!

[@awoodmann1746]

Thank you for this content. We have an epidemic of metabolic diseases. And we are fed a dangerous industrial diet.

[@danielpincus221]

Well, it's as people used to do in the old days: pies and cakes, etc, were for Sabbath meals only. Looking forward to the Sabbath was to look forward to the food you weren't eating during the week. Festival Foods. Sugar is fine once in a while. Even Dr. Lustig says that. It's all about the chronic load.

[@ferminromero2602]

Skip forward to 5:57 to dodge the long-winded ads.

[@bruceprigge5212]

Thank you ! 😊

[@IrshadAhmad-kt7jr]

Great informations regarding all the evils of modern ill health, bundled in just one lecture by Prof. Richard Johnson. Thank you.

[@jessicaisles4946]

So interesting!!! Thank you

[@christophercharles3169]

His take on lowering salt intake was confusing to me. I believe he said that salt would not cause you to get fat if you were on a low carb or carnivore diet. In other words, salt, in the absence of sugar, was not a problem. So, if you're on a carnivore diet for instance, can you eat all the salt you want or should it still be minimized.

[@nicolaashanekom9615]

This scientific presentation deserves all the gratitude and reverence because it is at a similar level of human endeavor, reflecting the same level of dedication, intelligence, passion, brilliance, and excellence as the artworks of Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Antoni Gaudí, Johann Sebastian Bach, Vivaldi, Chopin, etc. We live in wonderful times.

[@archanasekhar7548]

Amazing presentation. So useful in understanding obesity.

[@CashMoneyMoore]

Incredible presentation, low carb moderate protein seems like the way forward

[@gstlynx]

Fantastic,!!!

[@dfinma]

38:40 How do you reconcile the "salt = bad" statement with your LMNT endorsement?

[@kennethdjordan]

I too will listen to this again, so packed with information, and in a very understandable way. So many mechanisms at play rooted in survival that in our world of abundance turn to excessive behaviors in humans. But that’s why we have a brain, we can make informed choices, whereas animals are just working on instinct .

[@amyteurlife9408]

What the? This is a game changer. Get use to different.

[@TommysPianoCorner]

I like when we see something that ties us back to our environment. I have long thought that in temperate climates, fruit is only available towards the end of summer/early autumn and would make an ideal way to fatten up for the winter months when food is in a much less plentiful supply. Bears are an extreme example in that they hibernate, but pre-agricultural man would have needed extra fat to last out the winter. The fact that our bodies evolved to latch on to fructose as being a ‘store as much as you can’ signal makes perfect sense. It would be interesting to set this down against populations in tropical climates where fruit is readily available 365 days per year. We can see that Asians were (and to an extent still are) typically skinnier than Caucasians even though they would have a higher fructose diet all year wrong. We know that for example, many Asians have trouble metabolizing alcohol as they lack an enzyme used by the liver. It is highly likely that there would be other metabolic differences given that for hundreds of thousands of years they lived in a different climate and thus were exposed to different foods than most westerners. Incidentally, obesity is now a massive problem in Asia and if you go to the average supermarket in Asia, the aisles are full of the same ultra processed garbage as those in the west. Equally, they cook with seed oils now (which is of course a more recent thing as it is for the west). Not to mention sugar sweetened beverages etc!

[@MCeciPinto]

So interesting! Thank you.

[@danielscheuch]

Put the ads in later in the video

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

We appreciate the feedback!

[@scottsizemore7143]

Not good to be carnivore with kidney issues, any experience or expertise or suggestions?

[@lindabirmingham603]

Excellent presentation! I do not agree with Dr Johnson trying to create a way to disable what fructose does so we can continue to eat too much of it. Haven't we learned that we shouldnt muck around with nature using pharmaceuticals? Eating sweet tasting foods drives the craving for more. After 60 years of being a sugarholic, and now 2 years Carnivore, I no longer crave sweets at all and do not feel like I am missing anything. I do use Dr Berg's electrolyte powder which has a small amount of organic stevia ( no aftertaste). I do not find this to trigger cravings. Dr Johnson is addicted to sweet taste and should come out and admit it. He hasnt even tried Carnivore, so he doesn't know how good you can feel. That is why so many people on Carnivore never go back to Carb eating.

[@prunelle19]

I don't think that Dr Johnson is advocating a drug to turn off this process but rather making the necessary changes to your diet in order to turn off the switch. It seems that a ketogenic diet is the most efficient tool along with carnivore

[@john99776]

I have an ice cream machine that I haven't used in a long time because I stay away from sweet things since carnivore, but I will now use it once in a while with allulose as the sweetener, since both cream and allulose are healthy.

[@danielpincus221]

The suggestion that elopement behavior by those with Alzheimer's is induced by fructose is fascinating. That it is, in effect, foraging behavior with risk taking.

[@ClassicJukeboxBand]

Damn, I bought The Fat Switch, and I gave it to Dr. Adam Nally...

[@alicet8791]

I really want to hear this. But I've been listening for 20 minutes and I'm only 6 minutes into the talk... the rest is advertisements. I'm trying to listen while cleaning, so I'm not near the "skip" button. Irritating.

[@leadimentoobrien1221]

Perform a SKIN PICH TEST on the back of ur hand, if it tents then u r dehydrated. If ur urine is clear u r dehydrated. After urinating have a glass of water. Things the doctors should have told us.

[@NoTrashInHeaven]

All the bad eating habits mentioned 12:26 are true concomitantly!

[@shane4956]

5:51

[@NoTrashInHeaven]

For me, LMNT really helps reduce nighttime muscle cramps. But if I have too many anti-nutrients (the tannins in chocolate, coffee, & green tea, etc.), then LMNT only limits them 😢

[@lindabirmingham603]

I couldn't handle the excessively salty and stevia aftertaste of LMNT. I use Dr Berg's electrolyte powder. This brand has more potassium and he uses a form of organism stevia that doesn't have an aftertaste.

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

Great to hear it's been helpful with your cramping!

[@john99776]

I just add citrates of potassium, magnesium and calcium to my distilled drinking/cooking water. Always enough electrolyte throughout the day.

[@WFPBFORLIFE]

WFPB 4 LIFE. All leg issues will disappear.

[@UMS9695]

👏

[@laurengarfield2827]

Allulose put me in the hospital with serious liver attacks. It can be an absolute poison for some people. It will take time for people to realize

[@endorphinder]

Shut The Front Door!! Salt!?

[@proudchristian77]

Drama @ home can reck a diet , make u eat to much or to little, make u want strong drink 🍸 or something else but it effects a diet !

[@CP59FIT]

It's called Coritsol and yes it's triggered by streess/drama. A death in the family and boom 30 pounds came rushing back. It's all cortisol and now coming off again.

[@proudchristian77]

We were exercise nuts & even still , y were skinny, no meds , 💝🚴‍♀️🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@BeBedabit]

Mmm several minutes in still advertising. Need summary. No time

[@CP59FIT]

I agree I thought it was a bait and switch. You have to skip the first 6 minutes to get to the talk. if I wanted to watch ads I wouldn't be paying for premium. Did she steal this video?

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

@@CP59FITthis video wasn't stolen. The host in this episode is one of the organizers of the conference that invited Dr. Johnson to give this presentation and provide it to the public for free. Our podcast partners help us make this type of free content possible. Our premium content is ad-free and some of it is CME eligible. You can find it on our medical education platform, The Metabolic Initiative, here: membership.metabolicinitiative.com

[@katejacobs5491]

American healthcare, quite disgraceful. Life’s too short. Switch off and grateful for the NHS UK.

[@katejacobs5491]

I pay KZbin premium, I do not expect to be bombarded by ad.

[@kimberlyf4888]

He say at 18:56 that the animal starts eating "more than it should". This has to be fundamentally incorrect, nature does not work that way. The animal starts eating "just as it should" to increase fat to be ready for the coming season when food will not be available.

[@kimberlyf4888]

Also, by not adhering to this natural rhythm - humans in the modern world no longer spend their winters eating less/moving less, we have to work/socialize, etc - are we fundamentally f'ing with how we should be living? I find all of this so interesting.

[@yoso585]

@@kimberlyf4888well, it can be argued that no matter what one does, it is what one should be doing. In the end, “should is just a concept. Take it out of the sentence and you’d have me something like: the animal eats more. The “should” is meaningless.

[@shireesmith2933]

Meat meat meat only for me oh and salt lots of it heaps of fat I've never felt better lost a ton of weight too😂

[@debdicken286]

I’m not sure I can watch long enough to get through the ads. At least get me interested first. Think I’ll move on

[@michaelayalaathotmai]

If I eliminated milk (products), eggs, meat, and cheese as some suggest, I would surely die within a couple of months if not sooner. I might make it past a month with hymalayan salt and water. I do not think starving to death is a wise or sustainable choice to maintain great health let alone extend health span and Longevity.

[@lindabirmingham603]

I had fibromyalgia, IBS, chronic anemia, depression and brain fog for over 30 years. When I went on Carnivore WOE all of it went away. The fibromyalgia was caused by eating oxalates in the veg and nuts. The IBS was caused by the fiber and lectins. My gut microbiome gets fed directly from the butyrate in my bloodstream . We are not able to absorb the form of iron that is in plants, that is whu I was anemic on a plant based diet. Plants also do not contain B12 and essential fatty acids in bioavailable forms. Meat is rich in all of the B vitamins. Also, the beta carotene in plants is not vitamin A. It must be converted to the active form of retinol. Over 40% of people lack the gene to convert any. The rest can only convert a very small percentage. A diet without meat is not biologically appropriate for humans. We can only get the nutrition we need from animal meat and fat unless supplements are taken. What other animals in nature has to take supplements to be optimally healthy? Modern fruit is very high in sugar/ fructose. The body processes it as it does all carbohydrates. It raises insulin and the fructose is converted to fat and uric acid causing the problems Dr Johnson described.

[@WFPBFORLIFE]

not possible. You are dreaming

[@mark-c802]

he sez watching tv is associated with obesity...you could dd adementia too...🤡...lots of water is best with appropriate trace minerals

[@KJSvitko]

You are what you eat. Your diet impacts your health. Lower stress, reduce obesity, get enough sleep and more exercise are key to a healthy life. Obesity in children and adults is rising across the world. Fast food and sugary drinks including fruit juices are contributing to the problem of poor health and obesity. Eat a healthy plant based diet and exercise regularly. Reduce or ELIMINATE cows milk, eggs, cheese and meat. Eat more salad greens, beans, fruit and vegetables. Eliminate fast food, snacks like cookies, cakes, chips, and sugary drinks and juices. Every adult and child should own a bicycle and ride it regularly. Regular exercise will help you sleep better. Yoga is a great stress reducer. Obesity is all too common today. Get off the couch. Get off the phone, ipad or video game. A variety of stretching and other exercises help with increased mobility. Ride to work, ride to school, ride for fun. Every city should be a bicycle city. Speak up for bicycles in your community

[@Santa-ny1yp]

You started with, you are what you eat. Then, proceeded to say people should eat greens, fruits, beans, and veggies? People are made of meat, fat, and water.

[@tobiuslarone]

Haha joker. Clearly didn't watch the video.

[@michaelayalaathotmai]

If I eliminated milk (products), eggs, meat, and cheese as you suggest, I would surely die within a couple of months if not sooner. I might make it past a month with hymalayan salt and water. I do not think starving to death is a wise or sustainable choice to maintain great health let alone extend health span and Longevity.

[@rodolfocoelhodesouza3306]

BS advice. Listen to what this doctor taught. Who are you? Do not come here to preach what you belief.

[@WFPBFORLIFE]

@@Santa-ny1yp wrong

[@Damcarnivore]

Why do people as clever as this guy still thinks it’s calories. WE DON’T EAT CALORIES

[@robintcm]

This is a very good presentation. You might want to listen again. There’s a lot here. I’m going to listen to it about 4 times to make sure I understand it all, it’s very dense with information. This is complicated!

[@rodolfocoelhodesouza3306]

He did not say that. I think you did not watch the vídeo. His main topic was fructose how it affects the metabolism.

[@Damcarnivore]

@@rodolfocoelhodesouza3306 I watched the whole thing, he made conclusion for all theories saying they all play a part and all partially correct then said the instigator is fructose in all these cases. Which means he agrees calories are a thing.

[@danielpincus221]

Because he knows that excess energy has to go somewhere...

[@Damcarnivore]

@@danielpincus221 calories are a measurement of heat in a closed system the human body does not change its heat as a closed system

[@gregoryswanepoel6328]

too much makeup

[@HeavySmoker22]

It’s staring you right in the face. It’s the seed oils!